Brunello di Montalcino Riserva

Score

93+

"The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva shows an immediately aged or evolved quality. This is a true hallmark of a Brunello Riserva (which is always released six years after the harvest, allowing the wine ample time to integrate in both barrel and bottle). The wine's appearance is deep and velvety, and the aromas span from dried cherry and crème de cassis to medicinal herb, licorice and camphor ash. If you love those ethereal Brunello characteristics, this pretty wine has them in spades. Some 10,000 bottles were made."

Score

93

"Forest-floor, tobacco, dark-skinned berry and clove aromas mingle together in the glass. On the bright savory palate, polished tannins and fresh acidity balance succulent black cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon and star anise. Drink 2020–2028."

Score

96

"Ripe blueberries and darker plums with attractive woody and spicy complexity. This has impressive depth and layering on the palate with smooth, sturdy tannins carrying a wealth of black-cherry flavor. Long finish with sweet, ripe fruit. Excellent wine. Drink or hold."

Score

92+

"Deep red with an orange rim. Deep red/black fruit notes are marked by a hint of tar and game on the nose. Then deep rich and dense, with strong peppery nuances to the red fruit and balsamic oil flavors. Finishes with hints of woodsy underbrush, pot pourri and Indian spices. This brooding giant will require patience."

Score

91

"Collosorbo's 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a deep and penetrating expression of Sangiovese from a warm vintage. You taste the evident fruit ripeness here, thanks to aromas of cherry liqueur, blackberry confit, sweet baking spice and moist chewing tobacco. Contemporary notes of chocolate and toasted espresso bean also fill in at the rear. Sweet and jammy fruit flavors appear on the close. Some 10,000 bottles were made. This 2012 Riserva is a polar opposite from the 2013 Brunello Annata in terms of style but not in terms of points awarded."

Score

93

"Pushes the boundaries of ripeness, yet has good underlying structure too, framing plum, prune and spice flavors. Dusty tannins lend support as this winds down on the leather- and plum-accented finish. Best from 2021 through 2035. 800 cases made, 200 cases imported. "

Score

93

"Underbrush, sunbaked earth, new leather and balsamic aromas lead the way. The chewy full-bodied palate delivers baked plum, fleshy black cherry, vanilla, cinnamon and an earthy hint of game. Polished velvety tannins provide support while a note of dried herb marks the close. It's already delicious and will offer several more years of sipping pleasure. Drink through 2022."

Score

95

"Rich and mellow with a nice freshness. The balance gives this powerful and moderately tannic wine a lot of appeal. A long, supple, refined and rather complex finish. Drink or hold."