Wine Spectator:  Rated as Outstanding - a wine of superior character and style.  "Gorgeous aromas of crushed berry and raspberry  follow through to a full body, with soft tannins and a long, caressing finish. Very polished and pretty for the vintage. Drink now."

Winery:  "Obtained from Sangiovese Grosso, a strong and generous vine, it is a wine that expresses the intensity and the strength of the soil where it comes from.  Colour: ruby-red tending to garnet-red.  Bouquet: heavenly, with strong hints of aged wood.  Taste: ripe plum."

Wired For Wine:  We can't resist a good Brunello, and the Poggio il Castellare is no exception.  Shave some Parmesan or Pecorino over a crisp salad to start.  Toss a little finely grated lemon zest into the dressing; it will balance the berry notes of the wine beautifully.  The intense personality of this Brunello requires a good, hearty meal.  Try a linguine with a robust Bolognaise, and shake things up a bit by adding duck or rabbit to the sauce.  Bistecca alla Fiorentina, steak prepared the Florentine way, is another great option.  Oven-roasted potatoes tossed with olive oil and a generous sprinkling of sea salt, and mixed grilled vegetables will be fantastic with it.  Perfetto!

Size:  750 ml
Vintage:  2003
Varietal:  100% Sangiovese Grosso
Alcohol:  13.5%
Barrel aging: 3 years
Region:  Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
Production: 2,000 dozen