Vinous Media describes the 2012 Brunello vintage as being characterized by impeccable balance, vibrant acidity and fine-grained tannins. they are blessed with precise aromas and flavours of mainly red fruits, blood orange and minerals, and will prove very ageworthy. The summer of 2012 was hot and very dry, with no rainfall at all from July to mid-September, a situation exacerbated in August by three days of scirocco, the hot, dry wind from the Sahara, which not only raised temperatures by day but kept them high at night.

2012 Caparzo Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva 
$114.95 per bottle – 15 x 6 packs availaible 

94 Points – Wine Spectator
Cherry, strawberry and floral notes are hallmarks of this elegant, smooth red. Picks up spice and earthy accents, along with a cigar box element, as this builds to a long conclusion. Shows fine balance, with a line of dusty tannins lending support. Best from 2021 through 2035.

93 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is generously infused with smoke, tar and black licorice. This wine is brooding, firm and austere when you first pour it from the bottle. It opens rapidly, however, as this is one of the hallmarks of a warm vintage in Montalcino. Dark fruit and dried blackberry segue to spice, tobacco, cured meat or smoked bacon.

Pic above: Elisabetta Gnudi, Proprietor of Caparzo. Altesino and Borgo Scopeto.