James Suckling (98)

Amazing aromas of flowers from lilacs and violets to raspberries and blackberries. Full-bodied, yet ultra-elegant. So much fruit that lasts for minutes on the palate. Tangy acidity. Truly a great wine. Better in 2019 but a joy to taste now.

Vinous (95)

The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino is a total charmer, understated at first, but worthy of patience, as swirling unlocks depths of cinnamon and clove-tinged cherries, nuances of sweet mint, pine shavings and white smoke. It envelopes the palate with ripe textural fruits, soothing and round, while saline-minerals and fine tannins mingle throughout, adding a balanced tension. Nothing is out of place here, as the 2012 finishes lightly structured, remarkably fresh and perfumed with red inner florals and savory spice. This is a beautiful and graceful interpretation of the vintage that still has many years of positive evolution for collectors to look forward to. Salvioni only made Brunello (no Rosso) in 2012, and production was down at 12,000, usually around 1,8000 to 19000 bottles total, between Rosso and Brunello. This was due to the heat of the vintage and smaller berries.

Vinous (95)

The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino is a total charmer, understated at first, but worthy of patience, as swirling unlocks depths of cinnamon and clove-tinged cherries, nuances of sweet mint, pine shavings and white smoke. It envelopes the palate with ripe textural fruits, soothing and round, while saline-minerals and fine tannins mingle throughout, adding a balanced tension. Nothing is out of place here, as the 2012 finishes lightly structured, remarkably fresh and perfumed with red inner florals and savory spice. This is a beautiful and graceful interpretation of the vintage that still has many years of positive evolution for collectors to look forward to. Salvioni only made Brunello (no Rosso) in 2012, and production was down at 12,000, usually around 1,8000 to 19000 bottles total, between Rosso and Brunello. This was due to the heat of the vintage and smaller berries.

James Suckling (98)

Wow. This is really fantastic with outstanding depth of fruit and ripe and silky tannins. So much blueberry and cedar character with hints of flowers. Full body, fine tannins and a fresh and clean finish. Lovely balance to this wine. Better after 2022 but already exciting to taste.

James Suckling (98)

This is an incredible 2012 with fantastic depth, richness, focus and tension. Full body, polished velvety tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Goes on for minutes. Better in 2020 but a joy to taste now. One of the wines of the vintage.

Heralding from the esteemed terrains of Langhe, Piedmont, Serradenari Barolo 2012 is an embodiment of Italian viticulture prowess. Produced by Tenuta Serradenari, this exceptional vintage intimately portrays the confluence of nature and human touch in captivating opulence. Finely crafted from 100% Nebbiolo grapes, the wine stands testament to the estate's adherence to traditional vinification methods, emulating a profound respect to terroir while marrying contemporary ingenuity.

Serradenari Barolo 2012 is redolent with robust layers of black cherry, truffle, tobacco, and a whisper of rose petal, fiercely contained in a structured body and elegantly displayed over a lengthy finish. Suitably aged in French oak for 24 months prior to bottling, the resultant libation is an epitome of depth, complexity and harmonious poise.

With only 1,500 bottles made, Serradenari Barolo 2012 is a precious jewel in the repertoire of any discerning oenophile, encapsulating the passionate stewardship and unyielding quest for excellence of Tenuta Serradenari.

Unveiling a sublime encounter of quality and heritage, the Serradenari Viticoltori in La Morra Barolo La Vetta 2012 is an exceptional sample of the Barolo appellation. Crafted in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, this illustrious Barolo celebrates the lauded Nebbiolo grape from the La Vetta vineyard, perched at the highest altitude possible for Barolo, poised 536 metres above sea level. Its delicate approach to vinification involves fermentation in stainless steel tanks before maturing in French oak, delivering an elegantly structured wine.

The 2012 vintage presents a majestic aroma bouquet brimming with red cherries, wild herbs, and subtly intertwined with hints of vanilla. The Serradenari Viticoltori in La Morra Barolo La Vetta 2012 is a true testament to the meticulous precision and respect for tradition exercised by this world-renowned winery. A remarkable indulgence, it manifests the quintessential grace and longevity of a premium Barolo, designed for dedicated connoisseurs and collectors alike.

Jancis Robinson (17.5)

Tasted blind. Deep ruby with orange rim. Beautiful depth and clarity on the nose with hints of graphite. Plush, multi-layered palate with fine, polished tannins, and loads of them. Gorgeous, tangy, deep-fruit finish. Closes up quickly, indicating that this needs time.

Vinous (88)

Full red-ruby. Forward, open-knit aromas of ripe red cherry, blueberry, licorice and bitter chocolate. Then dense and chewy on the palate, with very good intensity to its soft dark fruit, leather and chocolate flavors but this turns very astringent on the long finish. Finishes broad and long, with substantial dusty tannins. I'd forget about this for at least a five or six years, but this strikes me as a being too energetically extracted.

James Suckling (95)

So much violet, licorice and berry character to this. Wonderful depth. Full body, dusty and chewy tannins and a persistent and intense finish. Layered mouthfeel. Drink in 2020.

Vinous (95)

Rich and heady in the glass, the 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva PS smolders up with a captivating mix of plum sauce, grilled sage, crushed rocks and a dusting of savory spice. Its velvety textures soothe the palate, nearly creamy in feel, while ushering in a wave of ripe red and black fruits complicated by saline-mineral tones that add an almost-crunchy feel toward the close. This remains structured and youthfully dry, with super-fine tannins that saturate, along with a tart wild berry concentration and subtle nuances of tangerine. Keep the 2012 buried deep for at least another few years, as this serious wine has a story that only time will tell. The PS hails from a 1.5-hectares parcel in the oldest part of the Pelagrilli vineyards in the Northeast of Montalcino.

Vinous (95)

Rich and heady in the glass, the 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva PS smolders up with a captivating mix of plum sauce, grilled sage, crushed rocks and a dusting of savory spice. Its velvety textures soothe the palate, nearly creamy in feel, while ushering in a wave of ripe red and black fruits complicated by saline-mineral tones that add an almost-crunchy feel toward the close. This remains structured and youthfully dry, with super-fine tannins that saturate, along with a tart wild berry concentration and subtle nuances of tangerine. Keep the 2012 buried deep for at least another few years, as this serious wine has a story that only time will tell. The PS hails from a 1.5-hectares parcel in the oldest part of the Pelagrilli vineyards in the Northeast of Montalcino.

James Suckling (95)

Aromas of ripe fruit such as sweet strawberries and hints of orange peel and chocolate. Medium to full body, soft and velvety tannins and a flavorful finish. Riper style. Drink or hold.

James Suckling (97)

Extremely impressive ripe dark fruits of blueberries, plums and blackberries follow through to a full body, round texture and bright acidity. The finesse and depth to this red is stunning making it a wonderful successor to the 2011 Solaia. Needs three or four years to soften and open.

James Suckling (97)

Extremely impressive ripe dark fruits of blueberries, plums and blackberries follow through to a full body, round texture and bright acidity. The finesse and depth to this red is stunning making it a wonderful successor to the 2011 Solaia. Needs three or four years to soften and open.

James Suckling (97)

Extremely impressive ripe dark fruits of blueberries, plums and blackberries follow through to a full body, round texture and bright acidity. The finesse and depth to this red is stunning making it a wonderful successor to the 2011 Solaia. Needs three or four years to soften and open.

Vinous (93)

Dark ruby with a pale rim. Penetrating red cherry, cinnamon, minerals and botanical herbs on the perfumed, captivating nose; this has a strong aromatic quality that I rarely find in Amarone. Then slightly more austere in the mouth, with strong herbal elements adding a savory component to the ripe but vibrant red fruit flavors. Finishes long with a firm tannic spine, young, chewy tannins, and hints of gunflint. A knockout Amarone and one of the early candidates for wine of the vintage in the difficult 2012 vintage.

Vinous (93)

Very bright light red. Aromas and flavors of strawberry, sour red cherry, orange peel and violet. Tart and fresh on entry, then picks up volume and flesh with aeration. Finishes suave and long, with a repeating note of violet and sour red cherry. A very clean, pure wine but that strikes me as a little less fleshy and ripe than some other recent Brunellos from Stella di Campalto.

James Suckling (96)

Aromas of blackcurrants and blueberries with hints of lavender and violets. Full body, chewy and polished tannins and a long, flavorful finish. A beautifully linear and polished red. Give it time to show it all but this is already a beauty. The depth and class to this are indeed impressive. Better in 2017.

James Suckling (96)

Aromas of blackcurrants and blueberries with hints of lavender and violets. Full body, chewy and polished tannins and a long, flavorful finish. A beautifully linear and polished red. Give it time to show it all but this is already a beauty. The depth and class to this are indeed impressive. Better in 2017.

Vinous (96)

The 2012 Redigaffi jumps from the glass with explosive dark blue/blackish fruit. Rich, voluptuous and impeccably textured in the glass, the 2012 boasts massive depth and concentration, yet retains tons of freshness. Silky tannins round out a finish laced with melted road tar, herbs and leather. For such a big wine, the Redigaffi is remarkably complex and nuanced. The 2012 was aged in 100% new, thick-staved Darnajou barrels, which are seldom seen in Italy but widely used throughout Napa Valley and elsewhere. In some recent vintages I have slightly preferred the Syrah over the Redigaffi, but in 2012 the wines are both fabulous. Simply put, the 2012 Redigaffi is a stunner.

Vinous (96)

The 2012 Redigaffi jumps from the glass with explosive dark blue/blackish fruit. Rich, voluptuous and impeccably textured in the glass, the 2012 boasts massive depth and concentration, yet retains tons of freshness. Silky tannins round out a finish laced with melted road tar, herbs and leather. For such a big wine, the Redigaffi is remarkably complex and nuanced. The 2012 was aged in 100% new, thick-staved Darnajou barrels, which are seldom seen in Italy but widely used throughout Napa Valley and elsewhere. In some recent vintages I have slightly preferred the Syrah over the Redigaffi, but in 2012 the wines are both fabulous. Simply put, the 2012 Redigaffi is a stunner.

Vinous (95+)

Deep ruby-red. Toasty oak and vanilla complicate red cherry and underbrush aromas and flavors. Then rich, dense and concentrated, but lovely violet lift provides clarity and cut to the suave flavors of red cherry, red currant, flint and vanilla. Much deeper and richer than the 2013 Brunello from Valdicava, this beautiful wine finishes very long and ultra-smooth. It is the best wine I have ever had from this estate.

Vinous (93)

Sweet red cherries, tobacco, mint, spices and new leather flesh out in Vietti's 2012 Barbaresco Masseria. Open-knit, silky and gracious, the 2012 is already quite expressive, yet also has enough depth to drink well for a number of years. So many 2012 Barbarescos are a bit forward, but Vietti's 2012 stands out for its freshness. Drink this super-elegant, refined Barbaresco over the next 15-20 years.

Vinous (96)

The 2012 Barolo Lazzarito impresses for its precision and class, two qualities that aren't easy to find in wines from this Serralunga site. Iron, smoke and white pepper lift from the glass in a vertical, structured Barolo endowed with real pedigree. A rush of pomegranate, red cherry jam, wild flowers and blood orange meld into the huge, bright finish. In 2012, the Lazzarito reconciles power and finesse like few vintages in the past. For the last few years, the Lazzarito has been knocking on the door of the big boys in this lineup, the Rocche and Ravera. Today, the Lazzarito makes a strong statement that it has arrived.

Vinous (96)

The 2012 Barolo Ravera is once again a star. Finely cut and chiseled throughout, the 2012 boasts striking precision and nuance. Rose petal, chalk, white pepper, cranberry and pomegranate burst forward in a brilliant, exceptionally polished Barolo built on pure, sculpted elegance. Over the last few years Vietti has done a tremendous job in taming the intense Ravera tannins while preserving all of the focus that makes the wines from this site so alluring. The Ravera has been fabulous on the two occassions I have tasted it so far.

Wine Advocate (97)

This is the 13th edition that Vietti has come out with, over the span of 38 years, of this stunning Riserva, a wine that ultimately is produced only about once every four years or so. It was not made after the previous harvest, in 2011. The recent editions have been nothing short of spectacular, earning 100-point scores in both 2007 and 2009 and 99 points in its latest appearance, 2010. It's a series that has set the bar extraordinarily high, and this 2012 Barolo Riserva Villero is a little less exciting in comparison. However, the wine holds its own as one of the most beautiful in the entire appellation and one of the best in the somewhat lackluster vintage. Balsamic and truffle notes pepper the palate of this handsome Barolo, but it's just really hard to reproduce that magic, release after release, for a wine regularly expected to sell at several hundred dollars apiece. Some 3,300 bottles of this vintage were made.