Wine Spectator 98 "Stunning, showing black cherry, blackberry, plum, leather, earth, and iron aromas and flavors that work in tandem with the supple texture and dense structure. This has a good feel, between its level of ripe fruit and firm tannins, to age well. Excellent length. Best from 2026 through 2045."

James Suckling 97 "This is very tight and linear and long. It shows so much black truffle, dark cherry, and wet earth character with some bark. Full-bodied yet tight and polished with firm tannins that persistently drive the length of the palate. There is great aging potential here. Try after 2023."

Wine Advocate 95 "The Castello Banfi 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio alle Mura pours from the bottle with an inky dark appearance and rich color concentration. The full-bodied Brunello takes the Banfi philosophy (based on research and mapping to understand the unique qualities of each growing site in this sprawling property on the southern side of the appellation) to heart. The fruit selected here aspires to extract, richness and all the other qualities associated with your quintessential Sangiovese Riserva. Careful work in the winery has helped to chisel out blackberry, spice, cherry, leather, and baked clay. Ample doses of cola, licorice, and tar appear on this release's very long and powerful finish."

Wine Advocate 95 "This wine offers a distinct identity that is recognized by the natural thickness and density of the wine. Warm vintage conditions in 2015 that favor more concentrated fruit make this even more apparent. However, the palate is relatively mild-mannered and tight. Black fruit, plum, and blackberry roll off the tongue. Those fruity tones are followed by dark spice, balsam herb, and a touch of savory barbecue spice."

James Suckling 97 "Lots of dried bark, cinnamon stick, forest floor and earth add to an impression of dried cherries and sandalwood. But there are also hints of caramelized oranges and preserved lemons. The attack on the palate takes immediate effect; the powerful tannins pucker the edges of the mouth with imposing depth, but equally fascinating detail. This is Brunello's robust, take-no-hostages style with a modern twist of finesse and tension."

James Suckling 95 "Very ripe and dense with lots of dried fruit, spice, and cedar character. Some cigar boxes, too. Full-bodied, velvety, and rich. Powerful. Give it two to three years of bottle age."

Wine Enthusiast 94 "Underbrush, pipe tobacco, leather, scorched earth, and dark culinary-spice aromas meld together in this full-bodied red. The savory, structured palate delivers baked plum, juicy black cherry, vanilla, and star anise framed in fine-grained tannins. Drink 2020–2032." - Kerin O’Keefe (5/1/2018)

Wine Advocate 94 "Bright and generous, the 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Poggio alle Mura opens to a darkly concentrated appearance and bold aromatic intensity. The wine is forthcoming and immediate in appeal. The bouquet is redolent of blackberry, cherry confit, exotic spice, cola, and dark chewing tobacco. The mouthfeel shows a higher degree of tannic astringency, however, that may come from the oak. Poggio alle Mura sees up to 80% aged in barrique for two years and the rest in bottle grand. I'd suggest giving it a few more years to let that firmness subside and soften. The wine is too young to drink now."

Vinous 93 "Deep red-ruby. Blackberry, strawberry, and nutty oak on the nose, complicated by smoky minerality and a whiff of mocha. Fresh but smooth, with a distinctly savory quality to the ripe red berry and herbal flavors. The finish is broad and suave, displaying a saline element and substantial ripe tannins. Not unexpectedly, this Riserva is richer and denser than the 2013 Brunello Poggio alle Mura."

Wine Spectator 90 "A big, chewy style, with black cherry, dark plum, chocolate, tobacco, and earth flavors. Pinched on the finish for now, though there is plenty of concentration. Best from 2022 through 2032. 1,300 cases made, 200 cases imported."

Wine Enthusiast 92 "Poggio alle Mura is a cru expression of Brunello from a flagship estate in Montalcino. The wine offers bright berry aromas and crisp acidity, but it also shows carefully measured accents of spice and tobacco that give it heft and importance on the palate. Hold this wine a few more years before opening."

Wine Spectator 90 "A savory version, boasting tomato leaf, juniper, and eucalyptus aromas and flavors, alongside cherry, plum, and a touch of vanilla from the oak. Firm and chewy, with a long, resonant finish. Best from 2025 through 2043.