2012 Brunello di Montalcino

Paola Gloder's 2012 Brunello di Montalcino is a delightful wine with easy-drinking appeal and lots of energy and personality locked within. This Brunello delivers smooth consistency and dark concentration with a saturated garnet hue. The aromas lift off the bouquet with power and determination. They include black berry, spice, cola, tobacco and mild espresso. The wine shows well integrated fruit tannins with good richness and supple power. Like other wines from this vintage, the mouthfeel is slightly leaner and more compact, but this is nicely compensated by its overall balance and focus.

Tasted blind. Mid ruby with orange tinges. Quite reluctant nose and a surprisingly open-knit palate of dark fruit and supple acidity. Fantastic, crunchy tannins on the finish. Can be approached now, but should be allowed to age. (WS)

Mid ruby with orange tinges. Strawberry and raspberry on the nose. Lovely sweet fruit with fine, powdery tannins on the palate. Just a tiny bit lightweight, no doubt due to this peculiar vintage. (WS)