2012 Banfi Brunello di Montalcino
Medium ruby with garnet reflections; tight rim. Compared to the 2010 vintage, 2012 develops from bright, red fruit to black cherries, black plums with notes of tobacco leaves, earthy oak & vanilla. International. The palate reflects the same with a savoury finish. Medium bodied. Slightly hotter(14%). It is relatively a BdM that is easy to drink. Some ageing potential.
Aged in French barrels of 350 lt as well as in 60-120 hl Slavonian barrels. To us, the stylistics is closer to 'New Wave' with some traditional elements. Fermentation took place in customised French Oak and stainless steel at 27-29 degrees centigrade for 10-12 days, followed by malolactic fermentation in barrique, then ageing for 24 months in French oak barrels (20% French Oak barriques of in 350 l. capacity, 80% French Oak Casks of 90 and 60 hl.capacity.
Price is right for the excellent economy of production scale, as there are over 170 hectares of estate vineyards in the warmer southern hill area of Montalcino. Altitude is not as high: 220 meters above sea level.
Score is high enough, for example.
93 James Suckling - Jamessuckling.com
"A sleek and pretty red with plum and light chocolate character plus hints of walnuts. Medium to full body and fine tannins. Shows the ripe balance of the 2012 vintage for Brunello. Drink or hold."
