[96 pts James Suckling] Fantastically complex aromas of spices, dried flowers and plums follow through to a full body, integrated and polished tannins and a superb finish. This is a 2012 Brunello with it all. Drink in 2018 (Dec 2016)[94+ pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate] The Argiano 2012 Brunello di Montalcino does a great job of interpreting the vintage and of showcasing its special microclimate on the southern flank of the Montalcino appellation. Both these elements point to warm-climate Sangiovese. and Argiano accepts that challenge with creativity and expertise. This is a proud expression of the grape with thick texture, determination and a succulent approach. Aromas of dark cherry, moist earth, tobacco and grilled herb lift from the bouquet. Bright acidity marks the close. The wine still carries its baby fat and needs a few more years of cellar aging in order to fully express itself (Feb 2017)Winery's Notes: Since 1888, the finest Sangiovese grapes of the property have been used to make Brunello di Montalcino, one of the worlds most famous red wines. To make its Brunello, Argiano selects the grapes from its most noble vineyards and ages the wine in two different types of wood. The first year is spent in French oak barriques and tonneaux with different capacities, to strengthen the innate structure of the wine, while the second is spent in larger Slavonian oak barrels which allow the wine to achieve balance. After completing the maturing process in wood, the wine is transferred into concrete tanks. The combination of concentrated and mature grapes undergoing fermentation at meticulously controlled temperatures, together with careful ageing in a selection of different oak barrels, produces red wines that conserve that incredible ageing potential for which Brunello di Montalcino is famous.
