The 2012 Chianti Classico Riserva le Baròncole is a structured and powerful wine that reflects some of the austerity that characterizes the difficult 2012 vintage. The wine needs to flesh out further, but it is already showing tight aromas of wild berry and white cherry with spice, leather and cola at the back. Crop yields were reduced in this year. There is a dusty, dry feel to the tannins and the wine offers very long persistency. This bottle should definitely be cellared for a few more years before it is opened. - Monica Larner