2012 Brunello di Montalcino
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Tasting notes
The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino is dusty and moody in the glass, smoldering up with notes of dried cherries and currants complemented by hints of curry leaf and dusty stone. On the palate, I’m finding a round and pliant feel, yet lacking motivation, with mineral-tinged red fruits that seem to hover, yet fail to interact with the palate. Its tannins remain quite prominent through the finish, pinching at the cheeks with youthful tension, as hints of licorice slowly fade. There’s a lot going on here, but the mid-palate lacks energy, which gives me pause considering the 2012’s big tannins.
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Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
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Valdicava represents its own school within the greater Brunello philosophy. This estate (under proprietor Vincenzo Abbruzzese) crafts contemporary and modern wines with noticeable density and ever-present aromatic intensity. The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino reveals a dark and inky appearance with bright ruby highlights that break through the background darkness with brilliance. The nose is generous and robust with dark cherry fruit, plum, Indian spice, mocha and espresso bean. These elements are stitched together with seamless transitions. Despite that grand approach, Sangiovese's prickly and often nervous personality shines through nonetheless. The variety adds delicate berry nuances and bright acidity that give this wine profound depth. This is a very well-made wine that promises a long aging future.
Valdicava represents its own school within the greater Brunello philosophy. This estate (under proprietor Vincenzo Abbruzzese) crafts contemporary and modern wines with noticeable density and ever-present aromatic intensity. The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino reveals a dark and inky appearance with bright ruby highlights that break through the background darkness with brilliance. The nose is generous and robust with dark cherry fruit, plum, Indian spice, mocha and espresso bean. These elements are stitched together with seamless transitions. Despite that grand approach, Sangiovese's prickly and often nervous personality shines through nonetheless. The variety adds delicate berry nuances and bright acidity that give this wine profound depth. This is a very well-made wine that promises a long aging future. Mar 2017, www.robertparker.com