96pts James Suckling

Some rather brash spicy oak aromas sit across ripe dark cherries and leafy nuances. The palate has a smooth and even-paced feel to it. Good depth of ripe dark cherry flavors. A really long and succulent finish. This has much to offer. Try from 2022.

95pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a dark and brooding Sangiovese that flaunts its depth, sophistication and balanced weight. The fruit is thick and powerful, and the wine's textural richness is polished and beautiful. The wine goes through alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in stainless steel and then ages in both small and large oak vessels for three years.

95pts Wine Spectator

Offers a balance of cherry and berry fruit, savory wild herb and balsamic notes and leather and tobacco details, all matched to a firm, harmonious structure. Juicy, building to a long, energetic finish. Best from 2021 through 2035.

94pts Vinous

The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is dreamy, with a surprisingly vibrant and translucent red color in the glass, impressing further with a spicy mix of curry leaf, crushed rocks, dried strawberries and hints of blood orange. This finessed expression continues on the palate, silky and elegant with bright wild berry fruits and inner spices that soothe the soul. It finishes completely harmonious, long, lightly structured and packed full of inner rose and licorice tones. Any reader who can get their hands on one should not hesitate, as the 2012 is still maturing in bottle. The Riserva was produced from the higher-elevation vineyard of the Uccelliera estate, which seems to have helped in this warm and dry vintage. Best After 2022.

Winemaker Notes

Intense ruby red. Intense fruity tones of ripe cherries and prunes, floral tones of violet, chocolate. Warm, pasty, well-balanced, evident tannins, fresh, ample finish. Elegant and well balanced, powerful, but clean and smooth and a dynamic rising finale.

Pairs best with grilled and roasted red meats, game, aged cheeses. Wine for important occasion

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