Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino 2012 (750 ml)

[96 pts Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate] 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. (Feb 2017)

[95 pts James Suckling] 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 (Dec 2016)