Castello Banfi wines have been highly rated by the International Wine & Spirits Competition. The contest, which aims to promote the quality and excellence of the world's best wines, spirits and liqueurs, was founded in 1969 and is nowadays the premier competition of its kind in the world, receiving entries from over 80 countries. Gold Medal and Best in Class honor goes to Castello Banfi Poggio All'Oro Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2004: Dark garnet fading to brick and more than living up to the vintage's high expectation. In fact this Brunello has class stamped all over it, the gorgeously scented beautifully integrated bouquet, the perfectly balanced palate, with subtle hints of chocolate and spicy fruit cake, beguiling and seductive, revealing exemplary depth and staying power. Gold medal also for Castello Banfi Poggio Alle Mura Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2004: Magnificent bouquet blending new oak's minty and herbal notes with a cocktail of dried fruit, herbs and spices. The palate is outstanding and has terrific concentration of liquorice-coated super ripe fruit, dry, generous and elegantly displayed over a firm, unobtrusive, well defined structure. Possibly the finest expression of modern Brunello in recent vintages.