Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2012 (Tuscany, Italy) - [JS 96] [RP 95] [WE 92] [VM 90+] [DM 90]

Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2012
(Tuscany, Italy) - [JS 96] [RP 95] [WE 92] [VM 90+] [DM 90]


$165.00 $149.99 Save $15.01
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6-PACK PRICE = $144.99 per item (add 6+ quantity to your basket)
JS96 RP95 WE92 VM90+ DM90
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About this wine:
Uccelliera is without any doubt one of the top estates of Montalcino, producing Brunello and Rosso that are complex, intense, extremely supple and drinkable. The Uccelliera estate was at once part of neighboring Ciacci Piccolomini until 1986, when winemaker Andrea Cortonesi purchased it from his friends and former employers; his first vintage was 1991. To produce Brunello and Rosso by blending vineyards with different exposures and soils is a specific choice so that the character of each vintage and of the terroir can be expressed following a "minimum handling" philosophy. The wines have quickly become cult favorites amongst the cognoscenti. 

Robert Parker's Monica Larner has declared Uccelliera "one of my favorite Brunello producers" and gave the following additional information about the winery:
 
"Andrea Cortonesi's Uccelliera offers distinctive wines that reflect the characteristics of the Castelnuovo dell'Abate subzone in the southeast quadrant of the appellation. The vineyard is planted at various elevations spread across three tiers. The lower level at 150 meters above sea level sees heavier calcareous marl clay soils. The geology at 250 meters above sea level sees a mix of clay and sandy soils with a much larger presence of limestone and mineral. The highest vineyards at 350 meters above sea level consist of limestone Galestro rocks mixed into primarily clay soils. These soil differences give Andrea many primary colors to mix on his proverbial painter's pallet. He blends fruit from the various sites - with darker more concentrated flavors from the heavier soils and elegant aromas from the limestone-rich areas - to shape the style he wants to achieve in each successive vintage."

About the Wine:
In outstanding growing years, the term "RISERVA" is given to wine rigorously selected from the oldest vineyards. Elegant and well balanced, powerful, but clean and smooth and a dynamic rising finish.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Grilled and roasted red meats, game, aged cheeses. Wine for important occasion

VARIETY: 100% Sangiovese selected from Montalcino

PRODUCTION AREA: Vineyards in Castelnuovo dell'Abate, at elevations of 250-350 metres on well-exposed hillslopes south-east of Montalcino

AGEING: Maturation in Slavonian and French oak barrels for a minimum of 36 to a maximum of 42 months, followed by bottle ageing for a minimum of 18 months before release for sale.

Ratings & Reviews


96 Points - James Suckling
"Some rather brash spicy oak aromas sit across ripe dark cherries and leafy nuances. The palate has a smooth and even-paced feel to it. Good depth of ripe dark cherry flavors. A really long and succulent finish. This has much to offer. Try from 2022." (Apr 2018)

95 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a dark and brooding Sangiovese that flaunts its depth, sophistication and balanced weight. The fruit is thick and powerful, and the wine's textural richness is polished and beautiful. The wine goes through alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in stainless steel and then ages in both small and large oak vessels for three years. Only 7,000 bottles were made." - Monica Larner (28th Feb 2018)

92 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"Underbrush, scorched earth, Mediterranean brush, French oak and balsamic aromas slowly take shape. The hearty, rather forward palate offers fading –cherry, tobacco and baking spice alongside chewy integrated tannins. Drink from 2020–2027." - Kerin O'Keefe (May 2018)

90+ Points - Vinous Media:
"Good full red. Red cherry, violet and allspice on the nose. Aromas of blackberry syrup, balsamic oils, licorice and tar. Fat and ripe on entry, then tough and austere in the middle, showing tobacco and herb nuances and not much fruit in the mouth. The broad finish offers a noteworthy tannic spine and a restrained sweetness of fruit. A big, structured wine that will likely need more time, but this is tough going right now. 15% alcohol." - Ian d'Agata (Apr 2018)

90 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Located in the southeast near Castelnuovo dell'Abate, Uccelliera sources its Riserva from the estate's oldest vines, planted at higher altitudes of 250-350 metres. Gratifying aromas of exotic spice, anise and wild cherry lead an upfront expression on the palate. While it has enough girth of ripe fruits to carry the alcohol and generous tannins, it lacks some precision. Nevertheless, it makes for a satisfying mouthful now." (Feb 2018)