2012 Brunello di Montalcino Prime Donne
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Tasting notes
The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Prime Donne is perfumed yet spicy, with a gorgeous mix of ash-dusted strawberry, incense, curry leaf, dried blood orange and hints of smoke. It’s silky but dramatic on the palate, with unexpected density contrasted by zesty citrus-tinged red berries and earthy minerals that come forward toward the close. This is still lightly structured yet not aggressive, leaving inner herbal tones and medicinal cherries lingering. There are years of maturity in store here.
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Montalcino Nord. Deeper crimson than most. Rusty rim. Very healthy sheen. Hidden nose promises quite a bit. Sweet start and much richer palate and less obvious tannins than many. The acidity seems more muted. A wine that seems to have a nod to the old super-ripe style. (JR)
The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Prime Donne shows floral notes of pressed violet or red rose petal that distinguish it from its peers. Those delicate tones are very much in line with Sangiovese and it's nice to think that they have remained intact despite the hot growing season. Background notes of cassis, dried plum and spice fill in the rear. A dry mineral note that recalls polished river stone or crushed granite also appears. This wine boasts a terrific bouquet that is infused with elegance and grace. The mouthfeel is polished and streamlined. Perhaps the persistence is slightly shorter compared to the 2010 vintage, but this wine more than makes up for this thanks to the high quality of its aromas.
Tasted blind. Maturing mid ruby with watery orange rim. Balsamic and lifted fruit nose with a hint of cigar box and tobacco leaf. Zesty, ripe, red-fruit palate with firm, slightly drying tannins on the finish. In need of further ageing, but class it has. (WS)