Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli, Tenuta Il Poggione 2005

The 2005 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli is a phenomenal effort in this average vintage. I am amazed by the estate's ability to make a wine with this level of textural richness, depth and sheer power in 2005. This is a dark, inward Brunello loaded with black fruit, smoke, tar, menthol and a host of other dark, sensual aromas and flavors. The wine's length and intensity are truly a marvel to behold. Like the 2003, I expect demand for the 2005 Riserva to be relatively weak given all of the interest for the 2006s and more highly-regarded vintages of the Riserva, which means this wine will almost certainly be available at favorable pricing somewhere down the line. It is a stunner. The 2005 Riserva spent 25 days on the skins and 40 months in French oak casks. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2035.