The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino is dark and spicy in the glass, boasting depths of crushed ashen stone, incense and curries before evolving to show cinnamon-dusted black cherries. It’s silky in texture, communicating elegance from start to finish, with polished ripe red fruits and inner tobacco tones that only hint at its 10 years of maturity. This finishes harmonious and long, as its tannins are nicely resolved and residual acids keep the mouth watering for more. The 2012 provides prime time drinking today, yet with the balance for years to come.

Bright, full red-ruby. Nuanced, scented nose combines raspberry, blackcurrant, tobacco, and an intense flinty note. Suave, juicy and complex, with harmonious acidity giving shape and freshness to the plum and mocha flavors. This subtle midweight finishes with smooth tannins, very god balance and lingering perfume. A big success for Talenti.

The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino offers delicate tones and crisp lines that set it apart. Dark fruit is followed by dried cherry, pressed flowers and mild spice. The wine shows very nice balance and impressive length. The finish is polished and bright with balanced acidity that makes a good contrast to the depth and power for which Brunello is known. The wine is aged in botte grande and tonneaux for 30 months.

Tasted blind. Deep ruby. Very tightly wound nose with hints of oak. Full and concentrated maraschino cherry on the palate. Firm, concentrated and tannic, and with all the building blocks for long ageing. Great acidity too. Rich style. (WS)

Sant'Angelo in Colle. Light nose. Even a hint of cabbage. Rich and sweet on palate entry then lots of wet veg underneath. Masses of tannins. Lots there! But it’s not quite a composite yet. (JR)