2012 Agricola Punica Barrua

The 2012 Barrua is similar to the hot vintage that proceeds it. This so-called "Sardinian Sassicaia" is made by the same people who brought us the legendary Tuscan red wine. Barrua is a blend of Carignano, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that sees some 18 months of oak aging. This edition shows a soft and slightly jammy style with dark blackberry preserves, dried cherry, black olive and generous secondary aromas of oak spice and tobacco. Barrua always shows impeccable balance. Considering the warm vintage conditions, this edition offers that same sense of overall harmony. The wine is engineered for either near or long term drinking. It should hold for a decade. Agricola Punica is managed by Sebastiano Rosa who came to Sardinia after many years at Tenuta San Guido in Bolgheri, Tuscany. Dec 2015, www.robertparker.com, Drink: 2015-2025

Deep, bright ruby-red. Aromas of ripe red cherry, tobacco and loam, with a smoky cocoa overtone. Coconutty, sweet and fleshy in the mouth, offering tactile red berry and aromatic herb flavors of noteworthy volume and depth. Finishes long and creamy. A richer, more concentrated wine than the 2013 Montessu, but I found this vintage of Barrua almost too ripe and international in style. Jan 2016, www.vinous.com, Drink: 2017-2022

I thought the 2011 was the best ever from this stylish wine producer in Sardinia. But the 2012 is clearly better showing vivid aromas of currants, dried cherry, rosemary, citrus and dried chili. Full body, dense but not heavy center palate, and a long savory, mushroom, mahogany and berry aftertaste. A blend of local varieties with a hint of international ones. Yeah. Drink or hold. Oct 2012, www.jamessuckling.com