We’ll probably never get our hands on a Lamborghini, and won’t own a Versace suit, but we WILL get our wine-soaked paws all over this 94 pointer 2012 Riserva! Just when we thought some of the recent Brunello offers couldn’t be topped, this comes along… at a wild 75% OFF?! Dead serious Brunello for this price is nothing short of stupefying. Just…wow.

Here’s your chance to get in on the early days of a bright new Brunello star. The Wine Advocate calls Cordella “A relatively unknown producer from the northern part of the appellation”, and right they are, as we hadn’t heard of them either. “Maddalena Cordella farms organic fruit in the Torrenieri subzone of Montalcino located in the northeastern quadrant of the appellation where clay soils are redder and thicker, resulting in more powerful and extracted wines” they continue to explain. And right they are again, a STUPENDOUS Brunello this is. No doubt, Signora Maddalena is a tour de force.

A gently fading ruby core giving way to a vivid garnet rim awaits the eyes. At once ripe and sweet with the very first sniff, while earthy and rustic, this can only be a top of the line Sangio. The impressive palate is all about dusty red ripe cherries rolled in cocoa powder, with hints of licorice and vanilla. The finish extends like the intro to Money for Nothing and hits just as hard, resonating with intense fruit, rum-raisin Bundt cake, and charcuterie. The tannins have mellowed over the years and it’s just singing now. No doubt this calls for a Bistecca alla Fiorentina, or the richest pasta dishes left to your imagination.

With tiny production numbers, and even smaller amounts imported, we got all we could but that’s probably not enough. Collectors should be scrambling to lock this down at a whopping 75% discount off its already fair release price. Ok, we have no more words… except highly limited!

94 Points – James Suckling

“Notes of sweet tobacco and spiced cherries with an earthy depth, leading to a palate that has some very succulent, juicy tannins. Holds the finish nicely. Try from 2022.”

91+ Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous

“Opaque deep ruby-red. Aromas and flavors of plums, mocha, and flint are both clean and fresh. The finish offers suave tannins and an easygoing nature that gives this Brunello Riserva considerable early appeal. Drink 2022-2027.”