Brunello. Rated 96 points. The real deal. For 45 bucks. Made by top oenologist who also makes Biondi-Santi, the very first Brunello born in the 1800s, and still a benchmark. In an overabundance of flashy, modern, ripe, overdone reds, this property is a beacon of classicism. A partial owner of Montosoli, one of the most famous crus of Brunello, a good amount of fruit that went into this came from this heralded site.

Medium garnet with streaks of brilliant ruby and crimson, glimmering as the glass whirls. Smoky sun-dried herbs, boysenberries, juicy red cherries, tomato skin, and sweet nutmeg are some of the wide array of the wild and exotic aromatics that arise. Elegant and rich at the same time with each sip, with firm yet sweet tannins, and an enticing gaminess. Sneakily long on the broad finish, with a second wave of pretty floral and spice notes mixing with dried fruits. A food wine by design, besides the usual suspect local Tuscan fare, try with aged cheeses.

Collectors of Brunello are going through a dry stretch due to the 2014 vintage being a difficult one that was mostly declassified and the phenomenal 2015 awaiting maturity for release, there are just not that many options in the market to consider. The 2012 vintage is rated 96 points by the Wine Spectator just like this wine, ranks in the top 3 since the unforgettable 2001s, and most are long sold out. It was defined as producing “rich, concentrated wines with ripe fruit and freshness” adding that “the best have the structure to age.” This is certainly all that - amongst the best and it has plenty of reserve to cellar effortlessly for decades.

Here’s what the wine press has to say:

96 Points - James Suckling - “Beautiful clarity on the nose with lavender, raspberry and violet aromas. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a long, fresh and simply fantastic finish. Best ever. Better in 2021.