2012 Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany, Italy

Firm, leathery, nutty and somewhat smoky aroma of ripe black and red berries with some blood, tobacco barrel notes, hints of tar, fine pepper and a hint of tomato paste. Tart, juicy, taut, ripe dark fruit with present, ripe tannins, bite and plenty of grip, peppery, slightly bloody-meaty and hints of cedar tones, plenty of salt, smoky and cedar nuances, a hint of blood orange, deep, dense and persistent, deep, dense and persistent, restrained power, a hint of coffee notes, decidedly noble and elegant style, yet extremely firm, excellent balance, long, almost cool, tart and juicy finish with minerality, tension and fine, complex spice. In great form, even more powerful than in its youth.

Best to drink: Bis 2034+. What our ratings mean