Val di Suga Poggio al Granchio Brunello di Montalcino 2019

Val di Suga is a pioneer in the production of the terroir-driven Brunello and the only producer making three single-vineyards in three different estates: Vigna del Lago in the North-East, Vinga Spuntali in the South-West and Pogigo al Granchio in the South-East. These are all Cru vineyards that are considered by many to be some of the most coveted in all of Montalcino.

This one comes from Poggio Al Granchio, a special vineyard that’s perfectly situated in the treasured southeastern corner of Montalcino. The ground here is rich with galestro schist soils, which make for a completely distinct style of Sangiovese that is unlike any other in Tuscany. Every year it represents Val di Suga’s most interesting and elegant terroir-expression, but in the 2016 vintage it ends up far exceeding expectations.

Four of the major world wine publications came in at 95-points or higher, meaning it is hands down one of the very best releases from the legendary 2019 vintage.  Already armed with a 96-point rave review from Wine Spectator, I wouldn’t be surprised to see it on their Top 100 list at the end of the year along with some others. Vinous declared, “This is a Poggio al Granchio for the ages” and advised their readers to “bury your bottles deep” in your cellars. There’s no doubt it is an age-worthy stunner. The Wine Advocate wrote that the wine oozes with richness and concentration in their 95-point review.

But, it was The Wine Advocate’s long time top European wine writer turned solo act, Jeb Dunnuck who came in with the highest score, a 98-point review for what he described as “full-bodied yet weightless on the palate and has phenomenal concentration while remaining elegant all the way through.”

This is a must-have for the cellar for all Italian wine collectors or even those who are just looking for a special Big Red. Incredible now, but one of those wines that you can tell has so much magic ahead of it. I have just 36 bottles – don’t miss it!