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Today’s 93 point (Wine Enthusiast Magazine) San Polino 2012 “Helichrysum” Brunello di Montalcino DOCG was named one of Decanter Magazine’s Top Brunello Wines of 2012 by wine critic Richard Baudains. This wine has certainly earned our top spot for any Italian wine that we’ve ever featured. This wine is very limited and very superb.

This Brunello is semi-opaque with deep garnet color tone at the center with a thick lip of brick around the edge. The nose is 100% Italian with rich leather, mocha, black currants, rhubarb, and walnut notes that create a complex bouquet that holds your attention. The nuttiness comes through on the palate too with walnut and pecan. The fruit has a mature and well-developed character with cherry compote and date. There’s plenty of baking spice there as well. It’s got grippy tannin to be sure, but that’s the fuel that fires up this powerful Sangiovese - no one does it like Brunello di Montalcino! The choice is clear: Mama’s lasagna is the go-to pairing for this authentic offering from San Polino.

Brunello di Montalcino occupies a special place in the hearts of all Wine Spies. These special wines hail from a very distinct and designated (DOCG – officially designated in 1967 as one of Italy’s first DOC classified wines) region in Tuscany, about 70 miles south of Florence, Brunellos typically are the best wines produced from the Sangiovese grape. By regulation, Brunellos must be produced by using a 100% Brunello clone of the Sangiovese grape, hence the lore of this exceptional wine. Typically, Brunellos are among the most expensive Italian wines - which makes today’s wine such an exciting offering.

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Here’s what the wine press has to say about it:

Wine Enthusiast - 93 Points! “Ripe berry, tilled soil, new leather, iris and balsamic aromas merge with chopped herb on this vibrant full-bodied red. The palate is still young and tight, showing wild raspberry, dried cherry, star anise and tobacco while a hint of orange zest closes the finish. It’s youthfully austere and will age well for years. Drink 2020–2032.”

Vinous - 90 Points “Bright red. Aromas and flavors of red berries, candied violets and minerals. Currently showcases a rather austere personality with the red berry flavors offering plenty of mineral nuances. I like this wine’s refined personality, but I can see how some might find this to be a little on the lean side. But I think cellaring this four to five years will help this put on weight.”