Good full red. Aromas of red cherry, blackberry, violet, Christmas spices, licorice and camphor. At once powerful and suave, delivering highly concentrated flavors of red cherry, gunflint and camphor. A more muscular style than the 2011 classico but also wonderfully broad, ripe and deep. The long finish saturates the mouth with subtle perfume of dried fruits and herbs, with dusty, mounting tannins leaving a classic, slightly austere impression. This very serious Brunello offers a glimpse of how unique Sangiovese can be in Montalcino. -- Ian D'Agata