I am always such a big fan of Andrea Cortonesi's work. Like his previous releases, the 2012 Brunello di Montalcino shows an uncanny sense of continuity and consistency with past releases. This steady stylistic focus is one of the best reasons to buy Uccelliera Brunello. The wine is dark and rich in appearance. Fruit from this vintage was smaller than usual and Andrea jokes that during the 2012 growing season you could hardly call it "Sangiovese Grosso," the name of the Sangiovese clone used in Montalcino. It is normally characterized by larger berry size, but not in this warm and dry vintage. Fruit was concentrated and smaller instead. The wine's explosive flavor profile demonstrates this fact. Blackberry and dark fruit segues to spice, tobacco and balsam herb. - Monica Larner

Aromas of walnuts and ripe fruit such as mature plums in combination with undertones of cedar. Full body, chewy tannins and spicy finish. Intense dried lemons. Burning spices. So much going on here. Such a complete and complex wine. Drink in 2019.

Exudes a ferrous aroma and flavor, with cherry, currant, tobacco and spice flavors adding depth and interest. Taut and almost racy, with a long, sinewy finish. This will be interesting when it unfolds. Best from 2021 through 2035. — B.S.

The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino is dark and brooding in the glass, showing a slight orange rim, with a mature yet beguiling mix of savory herbs, hints of celery leaf, ramen noodle, dried cherries and pine shavings. It’s far more youthful on the palate, lifted yet fleshy, almost juicy in feel, with strawberry and plum nuances giving way to a staining of salty minerals. There’s a lovely inner sweetness here, finishing fresh and with a subtle hint of lingering tannin. While its bouquet is a bit advanced, the 2012 is really quite attractive for any lover of mature wine. -- Eric Guido