The 2012 Tenuta di Trinoro travels one gear lower compared to the excellent 2011 vintage that precedes it. Andrea Franchetti says the vines were stressed by the summer heat and by overproduction following the exceptional fruit in 2011. Of the varieties used in the blend, the Cabernet Sauvignon showed the best results and that grape plays a bigger role in this blend. In fact, of all the wines tasted in this vertical, 2012 has the biggest Cabernet Sauvignon presence. This is a large-boned and thickly structured red wine that delivers ample muscle and power. Some of the finer nuances are lost, but the wine delivers impressive intensity nonetheless. - Monica Larner

Expressive notes of sweet cherry, plum, spice and tobacco stand up to the tannins in this ripe, fresh red. This is balanced to drink now, but will be more harmonious in a year. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Drink now through 2018. 700 cases made. –BS