Gianni Brunelli Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2012

Plum, blue flower, star anise, leather and eucalyptus aromas mingle together on this polished fragrant red. On the taut medium-bodied palate, elegant tannins and fresh acidity balance wild cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and tobacco flavors. Loaded with finesse, it's already tempting but will develop even more complexity over the next decade.

The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a balanced wine that ultimately has succeeded in absorbing the excessive heat of the vintage with expert precision. The bouquet shows dark fruit aromas with candied cherry and syrupy crème de cassis. Those ripe aromas never get too heavy because the wine also exhibits polished mineral definition that adds sharpness and focus. Only 3,000 bottles were produced.