Baked plum, star anise, aromatic herb, new leather and pressed violet scents create an enticing bouquet. The powerfully structured savory palate offers dried black cherry, black raspberry, licorice and tobacco framed in firm fine-grained tannins. You'll also note the warmth of alcohol on the close, but the fruit richness keeps it in check. Drink after 2022.

A big very ripe nose with plums and raisins. This is a rich and powerful wine, but with moderate tannins for a Brunello. This makes it quite easy to drink now. The finish has a lot of earthy depth. Probably has two decades ahead of it. Drink or hold.

This is a robust and unflinching red wine with a succulent core of ripe cherry fruit. The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Montosoli is more restrained and elegant compared to many of its peers from this hot vintage. Those scorching summer temperatures have been expertly absorbed, and the wine never feels jammy or heavy. The mid-weight finish is fine and graceful.