2012 Brunello di Montalcino Campo del Drago
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Tasting notes
The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Campo del Drago wafts up with a mentholated mix of black cherries and crushed dried flowers. It’s texturally dense, yet velvety in feel, with polished red and black fruits tinged with balsamic spice. This leaves a coating of fine tannins, along with nuances of sour citrus and savory herbs, while finishing with admirable length. Campo del Drago is the highest-elevation vineyard of Castiglion del Bosco, at 450 meters, which has helped to offset the conditions of the warm vintage. In this vintage, the oak is obvious, but the balance is undeniable.
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Firm texture, quite closed aromatic range, fairly simple fruit. Dictated by tannin, which makes this hard to drink right now. You might have hoped for greater softness after five years. (RH)
The single-vineyard 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Campo del Drago is a beautiful wine with immediate and contemporary appeal. The wine sports a darkly concentrated color with pretty saturation and density. This is a modern Brunello that will appeal to those who appreciate a soft and more approachable style. That said, the wine does a great job of offering complexity and nuance as well. Don't underestimate Campo del Drago. It offers a formidable presentation that is infused with dark cherry, spice, leather and balsam herb. Honestly, I can't help but find it irresistible. Give it another two or three years to flesh out from cellar aging.
Tasted blind. Deep ruby with orange tinges. Concentrated nose of gingerbread and sour cherry. Tannic cherry fruit and not very approachable right now. Depth as well as good length on the finish. Stylistically, this estate seems to go through a welcome change. (WS)