Vinous: 97pts

Luminous deep red. Less stony and scented on the nose than Piancornello’s memorable 2013 Brunello, offering hints of gingerbread and exotic fruit elements to the red berry and cherry aromas and flavors. Thick and creamy in the mouth, but lovely acidity and a saline element give the wine a three-dimensional texture and keep it light on its feet despite noteworthy concentration of extract and flavor. This densely packed, rich and ripe Brunello will age splendidly. Not surprisingly, this 2012 Riserva is weightier and fuller than the 2013 Brunello from Piacornello, but still comes across as refined and steely in the typical house style.

Publish Date: April 2018

Wine Spectator: 95 pts

A beam of cherry flavor sets the pace for this succulent red that’s
firmly structured and taut, with graphite, tobacco and bark notes
adding interest. The dense profile remains long and balanced on
the finish. Best from 2020 through 2038. From Italy.—B.S.

Wine Advocate: 95 pts

With only 2,700 bottles made, the 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a rare and precious wine. This Riserva does not have the fruity exuberance that you get in the 2013 Annata wine. Instead, it is etched and sophisticated with pronounced aromas of dried cherry, tar, leather, crushed mineral and campfire ash. It offers volume, lasting richness and power. Not all of the Riservas from this vintage reach this level of balance and integrity. This is a standout wine among its peers.

James Suckling: 94 pts

Sweet tobacco and earthy notes with dried baking spices and dark cherries. The palate has a very smoothly delivered core of spiced dark cherries. Good balance and depth here. Try from 2021.