Always a crowd pleaser, the 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli is a beautifully crafted wine. It shows depth, intensity and loads of authenticity both in terms of grape variety and territory. Dark cherry and blackberry rise from the bouquet with spice, pipe tobacco and moist earth in tow. The wine is layered and nuanced. That Sangiovese authenticity comes through loud and clear on the palate. This is a mid-weight wine with polished but firm tannins and evident acidity. It shows a burst of freshness on the finish. Montosoli ages in large Slavonian oak casks for 36 months. It is fully equipped for a long aging future ahead.

The color of the 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli shows no sign of decline, as a seductive blend of crushed black cherries and plums, tobacco, cocoa and hints of flowery underbrush form its bouquet. This is finessed and delicate in feel, casting ripe wild berry fruits and sultry minerals across a core of nervous acidity, as inner earth tones hint at the 2012’s maturity. The tannins are soft with smooth contours, and the palate is left with a fresh impression, as the Montosoli tapers off with a spiced herbal tea-like quality. This dark beauty is in a perfect place right now, and it’s balanced to hold its own over the next five to eight years

Good full red. Pure mineral driven aromas of raspberry and red cherry, with hints of licorice and tar. Nicely delineated and sweet with a strong raspberry quality dominating on the palate, this is more autere but very similar to the entry level wine in its aroma and flavor profile. The finish is long and offers repeating nuances of licorice and tar.

Tasted blind. Mid ruby with narrow, orange rim. Reluctant, savoury, minerally nose with only hints of raspberry and sour cherry. Energetic, tangy cherry and raspberry fruit and with crunchy, long tannins on the finish. Really unfurls aromatically on the finish. (WS)