2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Nonno Nello
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Tasting notes
The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Nello is brooding and balsamic in the glass, as dusty dried flowers, brown spice, hints of mint and cloves complement crushed wild berries. This is surprisingly lifted and vibrant on the palate, with a spicy mix of red fruits and wild citrus tones accelerated by brisk acidity. It leaves the palate clenched with residual tension, more tart concentration than tannin, while finishing chewy and with remarkable length. This glorious Montosoli from 2012 is still maturing in bottle. If you can find it, don’t hesitate. Unlike the estate Brunello, which is refined for 36 months in Slavonian cask, the Nello Riserva spends 40 months in lightly toasted tonneaux.
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Dedicated to Nello Baricci, the celebrated patriarchal figurehead of this historic winery who passed away in April 2017, the 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Nello does his memory proud. This is an extremely elegant and finessed Sangiovese with plenty of energy and tension buried deep inside. The bouquet produces delicate layers of wild rose, forest berry, spice and crushed river stone. This is a marvelous interpretation of a vintage that was certainly not all smooth sailing. These are exceptional results.
Maturing mid ruby with bricky rim. Dark spice and cherry fruit on the nose that is a little earthy and minerally. Great concentration of fruit with an elegant palate weight. Finely tuned and balanced and with gorgeous, chewy tannins. Traditional style. (WS)
About the producer
Established by Nello Baricci in 1966, Baricci is one of Montalcino’s founding producers. The estate’s small five-hectare plot is situated exclusively on the Montosoli hill in the north of Montalcino – renowned for producing distinctly elegant and aromatically complex Brunello.