~ Sloping Vineyards on the Poliziano Estate ~
Almost 30 years. That’s how long it has taken me to find a Vino Nobile di Montepulciano that excited me the way great Brunello can. I’ve tasted hundreds of examples from various producers; albeit mostly restricted to the larger estates who benefit from reliable distribution. I’ve tasted many nice wines but nothing that really moved me.
In 2017, while in Tuscany the 2011 Asinone left an indelible mark in my memory. Mind you, it wasn’t new to me, but that night I sensed it was beginning to elevate itself in a manner that required attention. When the 2015 was released, I knew I’d be buying it on sight. So when I came across some in Monteriggioni, I didn’t hesitate. My regret? Not buying enough!
~ Poliziano has its own Enoteca in the Center of Montepulciano ~
Asinone is named after the vineyard that bears the same name and whose topography strikes an odd resemblance to a donkey’s back. First introduced as a Riserva in 1983, it quickly became obvious that the vineyard was special. Today the vineyard is approximately 12 hectares with vines that date back to 1963. In the best vintages, Asinone will be 100% Sangiovese.
The 2015 Poliziano Asinone Vino Nobile is the best wine I’ve ever tasted from this winery. It is also the most exciting Vino Nobile I’ve ever tasted. Deep violet in color, the aromas are explosive and generous. Crushed cherry, fresh flowers, new leather, spices and sweet tobacco aromas are energetic and seamless.
On the palate, the wine simply sings! A soaring harmonic melody of concentrated, ripe red fruits coats the palate from fore to aft. Dark cocoa, espresso bean, tobacco and spice add complexity. Long, balanced and fresh, this is nothing short of a masterpiece. 98 points. Buy as much as you can find. Find this wine.
~ An absolute must have from the 2015 vintage ~
Salute!
Nice blog post, John! ???? Never heard of this wine but it sounds amazing. Thanks for the tip. I’ll look for the 2015. Cheers! ????
Never heard of it huh? Well, start the hunt. You’ll be happy!
Hi John,
Thanks for the post. Luckily, I have some, but unfortunately, not enough I’m afraid 😉
What is your take on the drinking window of this wine, if I may ask?
Best regards,
Hey Steven,
Man, it’s hard to say. This wine reminds me of the 2015 Tignanello with its approachability. I’m getting a sense that the 15s hallmark theme will be purity. Purity of fruit with absolutely velvety tannins right from the start. But the structure and acids are there, not in 1997 when the wines charmed early but faded early. These have the balance for aging. If there’s a downside to this vintage, right now to me I wonder how these will get better? If you have more than 2 of Asinone, I’d drink one now. It’s glorious. The Tig. I’ve had at least 6 or 8 times over the past year and it hasn’t changed at all. The Brunello barrel samples I’ve had remind me of this purity I mention. Bottom line? I can’t see any reason why these wines won’t last a decade at least with the right storage. But will they improve? Maybe some of the bigger Super Tuscans from 15 with more Cabernet in the blend will need time. But Sangiovese? I don’t know. Benvenuto Brunello will be very interesting. Salute!
Hi John,
Sounds very good. I have always enjoyed the Asinone but have not gone out of my way to buy it. But will buy this vintage after reading your views. Heading over in two weeks and I envision picking up a couple of bottles at the start of the trip to try and then maybe more for home.
Joe D
Good plan my friend.
Your score and reflection is based from a winery sample ..or from a bottle you bought in any Enoteca ?
Cheers ????
Ciao Montosoli…..
I bought this (and other) bottles at an Enoteca in Tuscany. I have since bought more from a local retailer here in the US.
John. I’m new to your blog. I really enjoy your insight since I’m a novice. We went to Montepulciano in May and I was blown away by Asinone. Have you had a chance to try the 2016? I brought a bottle back and I’m holding off on trying it. Also, we all loved the Croce di Febo Amore Mio 2011. That was probably our favorite wine on this last trip.
Thanks for you blog. I love it!
Scott, Welcome and thanks for the nice words and commenting! I have not tasted the 2016 but would not hesitate at all to buy it. Everyone is talking about 2015, but 2016‘s will be very close in quality and they are being overlooked. I will be buying the 2016‘s without Hesitation. That goes for Brunello the best wines from Chianti and Montepulciano.