Col d'Orcia Brunello di Montalcino 2012 Magnum

Part of a library release from the estate in February 2021, this spectacular vintage comes with bottle age and the added benefit of cellar provenance.

The Col d'Orcia vineyards were undergoing conversion to organic farming in 2012 and would be fully certified from the 2013 vintage.

"Col d’Orcia, meaning the hill overlooking the Orcia River, is located at the very edges of the Brunello di Montalcino geographical limits. It is the largest organic farm in Tuscany, gaining the status back in 2010. Since then, these organic grapes are grown on the highest slopes of the property and the ageing process of 3 years is handled in large Slavonian oak barrels. Still a touch reticent on the nose yet elegant and spicy, with red fruit embellished by notes of tobacco leaf and dried herbs. Evened, vertical and refined on the palate, with a clean, inviting finish." 96 points, Decanter

"New leather, truffle, sun-baked soil, menthol and grilled herb aromas practically jump out of the glass. The big, chewy palate delivers mature wild cherry, black raspberry, licorice and tobacco notes, set against a backdrop of firm, fine-grained tannins. Drink 2020–2027." 93 points, Wine Enthusiast

"Bright and freshly fruity with plum, cherry and walnut undertones. Medium to full body and firm and silky tannins. Really beautiful and bright. One of the best wines in years from here." 93 points, James Suckling

"Macerated cherry and plum flavors mingle with iron, meat, eucalyptus and tobacco flavors in this dense, beefy red. Compact, leaving a bitter almond note on the finish, yet staying fresh. Best from 2020 through 2032." 92 points, Wine Spectator

"The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino offers an authentic interpretation of this celebrated appellation in southern Tuscany. The bouquet is rich and sophisticated with candied cherry, dried currant and spice. I tasted this wine very soon after its commercial release and it took a little while open. It showed a point of reduction well. Give the glass a few vigorous swirls and the wine begins to peel back. Varietal aromas of moist earth, button mushroom, grilled herb and blue flower ultimately add to the wine's timid complexity. Give this wine two or three years to flesh out." 90 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Col d'Orcia Brunello di Montalcino 2012 Magnum