"Quite solid and structure-centric. Leather, earth, violets, and dried cherry on the nose. The palate has a great texture with a pleasing, fine, granularity, like ground-up, dried, black cherry skins and scorched earth. Despite the finessed fruit, it still comes across as well balanced and complete. There is a wonderful finish, with fine grained grip and excellent aromatics of sandalwood, grilled meat, and leather lingering. Improved steadily over two hours drinking, and was going strong on the last sip. Great structure and balance, with the impression of being built for the long haul."
— Brunello Bob's World of Wine, Nov 2014

The 2005 Il Carbonaione (Sangiovese) is a soft, silky-textured version of this wine, with perfumed aromatics and a core of ripe red fruits. For now, the wine requires another year or two in bottle to absorb the toasted oak that is prominent at this stage. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020.
— Wine Advocate, Jun 2008