Vertical Tasting: Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino Poggio alle Mura

An American-owned Castello Banfi is one of the most famous Tuscan wine producers, thanks to its excellent quality of its Brunello di Montalcinos and its global distribution system. Credited with pioneering a new era in Brunello and bringing the wine world’s attention to Montalcino, the winery is making some of the most exciting Brunellos out in the market today.

In fact, it is hard to think of a more consistently outstanding Brunello producer than Banfi. In this vertical tasting report on Banfi’s Brunello di Montalcino Poggio alle Mura, we selected five vintages from 2006 to 2010. Each is rated higher than 90 points, and one even scored 97 points, a nod to the winery’s consistently excellent Brunellos. This is an amazing single vineyard Brunellos that is one of the best in the region.

In recent years, the winery also pioneered clonal research on the sangiovese vine to produce a more consistently excellent Brunello di Montalcino, and reduced sulfites and histamines through more organic winemaking. Technological advances, including customized cooperage for more balanced wines, nitrogen bottling to eliminate the addition of sulfites, electrodialysis to allow flavors to emerge, and the development of fermenters that combine both stainless steel and wood, are all balanced with a profound respect for tradition and deep expression of the local terroir and microclimate. 

Below are the wines; click for tasting notes and scores:

Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino Poggio alle Mura 2006 

Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino Poggio alle Mura 2007 

Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino Poggio alle Mura 2008 

Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino Poggio alle Mura 2009 

Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino Poggio alle Mura 2010