2012 Brunello di Montalcino
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Tasting notes
Crushed strawberries, herbal tea, balsamic spice and tobacco form a sweetly inviting bouquet as the 2012 Brunello di Montalcino opens in the glass. It’s pleasantly round, with a bitter twang of mocha and sour citrus up front that gives way to mineral-tinged red berries. The 2012 finishes with a nervous feel, leaving the mouth watering, yet tapers off quickly with only inner earth tones that linger.
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The Castiglion del Bosco 2012 Brunello di Montalcino exhibits classic lines and aromas that are faithfully characteristic of Tuscany's Sangiovese grape. There's a wild or untamed element with forest berry, underbrush, wild mushroom, lavender, tar and licorice. Balsam herbs also appear with cola and grilled rosemary. There's a lot to keep your attention. The mouthfeel is more streamlined and slightly shorter compared to previous vintages. This seems to be a common trait in 2012 Brunello but it does not make too much of a difference in this case.
Tasted blind. Lustrous mid ruby with orange tinges. Ripe cherry fruit with lots of coating tannins that are a little bit demanding on the finish. Ripe and full, while the over-zealous oak ageing seems to be a thing of the past. Now it just needs more elegance. (WS)