Poggio dei Colli

Score

94

"Dedicated to Mauro Vannucci, the 2016 Poggio de' Colli is a pure expression of Cabernet Franc. This beautiful wine shows an all-Tuscan soul with delicate tones of Mediterranean herb and wild sage that frame a dark core of plummy black fruit. The bouquet boasts pretty mineral definition with flint or wet river stone that adds to the clarity and intensity of the bouquet. This is a full-bodied red to pair with stewed meat or grilled steak. The wine closes with long persistency, ushering forth fragrant tones of rosemary twig and dried oregano along the way."

Score

91

"The 2016 Carmignano Riserva is finessed, light on its feet and full of character. Punchy, flavorful sweet red cherry, plum, blood orange, mint and sweet floral notes are beautifully delineated in a bright and nuanced Piaggia that hits all the right notes. Soft, pliant and easygoing, the 2016 will drink well right out of the gate. This is such a pretty, understated Carmignano."

Score

90

"The 2014 Cabernet Franc Poggio de' Colli is less exuberant than it typically is (not surprising given the vintage), but nevertheless possesses good depth and fine balance. Silky and dark, but a touch slender, the 2014 will drink well for a number of years. The Poggio de' Colli is often not especially varietal, but rather a wine to appreciate on its own terms. That is especially true of the 2014."

Score

91

"The 2013 Cabernet Franc Poggio de' Colli is a very pretty wine that perhaps speaks more to the personality of the vintage at this stage than it does to Cabernet Franc. Dark, inky and inviting - yet very much medium in body, the 2013 impresses with its balance and poise. It will be interesting to see if further time in bottle brings out more Cabernet Franc typicity. For now, the Poggio de' Colli is a forward, fruit-driven wine to enjoy over the next decade or so. Only a slight hint of saline energy on the finish suggests Franc. Cabernet Sauvignon has a long history in Carmignano. Perhaps after all these years the Franc has also become quite at home here."