Pertimali Sassetti Livio Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2012 | 750 ml.

SP96 Wine Spectator Jun 30, 2018

"Firm and dense, this red sports cherry, leather, cigar box and sweet spice flavors. A juiciness midpalate adds depth. Finishes with tannins and a combination of earth, mineral and tobacco notes. Best from 2022 through 2038. 1,000 cases made." (96 pts.)

WE93 Wine Enthusiast 5/1/2018

"Tobacco, baked plum, dark spice and new leather aromas mingle with a truffle note on this earthy savory red. The aromas follow over to the taut medium-bodied palate along with fleshy black cherry and star anise. Chewy tannins provide the framework. Drink 2019–2027." (93 pts.)

JS95 JamesSuckling.com Wednesday, April 4, 2018

"An extremely dense and complex red with dried berry, cherry, floral and spice. Full body, powerful with a wealth of fruit and chewy tannins. This really is intense and beautiful. Goes on for minutes. Big wine. Drink in 2021." (95 pts.)

VN92+ Vinous Apr 2018

"Bright red. Spicy red berries, camphor, black pepper and balsamic oils on the enticing nose. Clean, fresh and very flinty, offering red and black fruit flavors that are nicely supported by youthfully chewy rising tannins. The finish is long, clean, fresh and nervous, but this Brunello’s oaky backbone currently overwhelms its fruit. Which one of the two contestants (oak vs. fruit) will win the battle? I am not sure I have the answer. Pertimali only makes the Brunello Riserva when they are convinced the wine might become exceptional (the 1999, 2006, 2007, and 2010 were the most recent vintages of the Riserva prior to this one) and is made with a super-selection of grapes picked directly in the vineyard to make the Riserva (the grapes tend to be harvested as late as possible but without risking overripeness). The wine is aged in large oak barrels for at least four or four-and-a-half years, then lies another year or 18 months in bottle." (92+ pts.)

RP94 Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate 28th Feb 2018

"Showing a dark color and appearance, the 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a beautiful wine. The 2012 vintages deliver some great surprises, like the ones you get here. The wine is dark and powerful with full throttle aromas of black cherry and blackberry. Spice, leather and balsam herb appear at the back. It sports firm tannins and a robust structure that will carry it forward over its aging years." (94 pts.)