San Polo Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2012

96 pts, James Suckling — 94 pts, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Picturesque olive groves and a gorgeous farmhouse add to the magnificent property overlooking much of Tuscany. San Polo is a beautiful estate located in the southeastern part of Montalcino at 1,300 feet above sea level overlooking the Sant’Antimo Valley and Mount Amiata. It spans 52 acres with twenty acres currently producing Brunello di Montalcino.

Though the winery makes a Brunello di Montalcino every year, they only make a Riserva in truly special vintages at the estate. Over the last twenty years, they’ve only made a reserve bottling in 2004, 2006, 2010 and now in 2012. The latest bottling is fantastic, easily one of the best bottles made in what was a challengingly hot vintage. The San Polo advantage? Being so high up, with a consistent breeze. It’s the reason this beauty is an cellar worthy marvel. At $40 OFF the release price from the winery, this is a great buy for collectors.