Brunello di Montalcino 2012 horizontal tasting
Ksiazka i Wino
Tasted Saturday, March 14, 2026 by marco_graz with 44 views
Introduction
It had been a while since I wanted to compare a few Brunellos from the 2012 vintage, a 5-star vintage which was very warm until some September rains brought back balance for the few grapes left by the summer heat. Until today I hadn't had many 2012s and it was a great occasion to see how this vintage fared in different parts of the DOCG.
Flight 1 (7 Notes)
Closing
That's a wrap — the 2012 vintage is really in a perfect spot, with many wines close to if not at their peak. Thanks to my guests for joining the tasting. Cheers! 🍷
2021 Le Ragnaie Rosso di Montalcino 91 Points
Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino
A great way to start the night! Very youthful and juicy, with nice complexity and still lively tannins. It feels like it's still young and can go on for a few more years.
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2012 Talenti Brunello di Montalcino 92 Points
Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
Served as the first Brunello, it's still quite young, with an intense nose of cherry, autumnal forest, pine needles, rosemary and a closing balsamic note. On the palate it's still quite intense but looking for balance, between a touch of excess alcohol and firm tannins.
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2012 Pertimali (Livio Sassetti) Brunello di Montalcino 91 Points
Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
The only wine past its peak, with a very tertiary nose of wet leaves, mushrooms and balsamic, with little freshness — but still pleasant, until two hours later when we tried it again and it was quite dead. Smooth tannins and balance while it lasted. Possibly not a perfect bottle.
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2012 Ciacci Piccolomini d'Aragona Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso 93 Points
Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
Now we get serious — the first cru is also the first impressive wine! Very fresh nose with sweet fruit, cherry and strawberry, herbs and balsamic. On the palate lots of finesse, balance and freshness, with a long pleasant finish and a feeling of youth. Could be 93,5 if I had half points.
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2012 Podere Salicutti Brunello di Montalcino Piaggione 94 Points
Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
One of the stars of the night! Sitting right next to the Helichrysum — the two vineyards are perhaps 300 metres apart — it had a very elegant and juicy nose, with loads of herbs, cherry and earthy notes. On the palate still powerful, with young tannins and high acidity, all held together by the hand of the winemaker. Very long finish.
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2012 San Polino Brunello di Montalcino Helichrysum 94 Points
Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
Neighbour to Salicutti, the Helichrysum is its true self: darker fruits, balsamic, and a barnyard note well integrated into the bouquet. On the palate firm tannins — a signature of this winemaker — nicely balanced by the acidity and intensity. Another pleasantly long finish.
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2012 Il Poggione (Proprietá Franceschi) Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Paganelli 95 Points
Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
Is this the oldest vineyard in Montalcino? Vigna Paganelli was planted in 1964! And the wine is undoubtedly the best of the night — a gorgeous nose of crunchy cherry, summer forest, elegant leather, mushrooms and dry-aged meat. The palate is super intense, with great character and perfect balance between velvety but still present tannins and fresh acidity. An incredibly long finish closes a wine to remember.
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