Lots of thorny things inside this post, but I think they need to be said.
that said, here’s my introduction and a few notes from some of the 2012 Brunello di Montalcino.
“On 10-11 April of this year, for a total of about 11 1/2 hours at VinItaly, I tasted several hundred wines from Montalcino zone (not all were Brunello/DOCG, some were Rosso, etc.). Following VinItaly, I then spent three weeks in Montalcino zone performing visits (usually 2 per day, but sometimes three) to cellars/vineyards, meeting one-on-one with growers/agronomists, etc.; I’ve also tasted on my own, with bottles that were either samples or bottles I purchased solely out of curiosity. I’ve tasted a lot of 2012 Brunello wines, easily the lion’s share. That said, I’m looking forward to tasting the rest of them, too; there’s more to learn.”
2012 Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino (HR) Tasted at the winery, from tank. This has been blended now, and is resting in steel tank. Great nose, very fresh, with perky red fruits and detailed purity. Each sip better than the one previous. Long finish, really nice structure. BUY. 15,5% abv. (resolved). Drink 2018-2030. highly recommended
2012 Il Palazzone Brunello di Montalcino (R+) {winery visit} Just what it should be at this point - excellent reflection of place and grape AND vintage. Nothing stylistic about this, just well-grown Sangiovese fruit that’s in a fairly precocious stage just now. It’s just a babe, you’ll need to hold this one for at least a year or two to allow for more integration. Given 2012s challenges, this is just what it should be, there’s nothing forced or contrived here, and it’s all quite good. Thru 2030. recommended+
2012 La Serena Brunello di Montalcino (R+) {Winery visit} From Coravin, I needed to let this blow off a touch of reduction. A few minutes later, bright aromas emerge, tending toward the darker red spectrum. A touch of fresh citrus, and even some apple skin hits the nose, I’m happy. I’ve got to give this some pretty vigorous swirling before it begins to show me much on the palate, but I really like what I see once it opens. An average amount of complexity at this stage, but the flavors are already running broad and deep - if you take your time with it. That said, if I had some, I would not touch any for 2-3 years - there’s (coiled) complexity here, and, to be sure, more flavor development to come. The quality at this address just gets better and better. HOLD. Thru 2031 recommended+
2012 Enzo Tiezzi Brunello di Montalcino Poggio Cerrino (HR) {winery visit} Crazy value proposition here. This is fairly approachable already (though I would give it 5 hours in decanter, but that’s me), with attractive lines and classic flavors and aromas. If you’re into (really!) traditional BdM, and you’ve yet to try this, get a six-pack, now. As always, great structure, a sense of place and grape. Drink 2018-2030. highly recommended
2012 Campogiovanni (San Felice) Brunello di Montalcino (NR) Clean, medium-bodied, good balance, but lacks complexity at this point; not sure it’s ever going to develop. Pure, red-fruited, tannins nearly fully integrated. Seems like one to enjoy in its youth; good freshness still, though there’s a nagging sense that this isn’t going to be there forever; best in the near/mid-term, I think. Drink now thru 2025. I wanted to like it more than I actually did. Double-decanted one hour before serving, non-blind.
2012 Il Marroneto Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazie (R) A lot going on here. The nose is rather explosive, and equally complex, even at this early stage of development. The palate delivers what the nose suggests, plenty of rich, racy fruits that run the red and black spectrum. Others liked it more than I, but as there was a leathery, dusty and herbal character that seemed an undercurrent of sorts, I was able to find what I was after. That said, I think in 3-5 years, this could well be an even more enjoyable wine as some of the hidden nuances move closer to the center. I’d gladly have a glass, or two, again. Drink 2020-2035. recommended
continued on the blog The new releases of Brunello di Montalcino, 2012, Part 1 – ItalianWine.blog
thanks for looking