2012 San Giusto a Rentennano, Toscana, Percarlo Sangiovese

One of the highlights of the vintage, the 2012 Percarlo boasts striking depth and nuance. All of the richness and intensity of the vintage is present, but there is a crystalline purity to the 2012 that is impossible to miss. Crushed flowers, sweet red berries, mint and brisk saline notes wrap around the striking, deeply expressive finish. The 2012 is perhaps not as explosive or concentrated as Percarlo can be, but instead there is an element of translucence in the fruit that is incredibly inviting. My impression is that the 2012 will develop along the lines of some of the more finessed Percarlos in the estate's history. What a gorgeous wine this is.

Due to the very hot growing season, the 2012 Percarlo shows slightly evolved and spicy aromas of tobacco and leather on first nose. This pure expression of Sangiovese from the cooler Gaiole in Chianti sub zone is aged in French oak for 22 months. The wine expresses a dark and savory side of the mighty Tuscan grape with dark fruit, plum and dried blackberry. Yet, there is enormous depth and beauty here. Balsam and menthol notes appear on the close and the wine's finish can be counted in many long minutes. The mouthfeel has some areas of sharpness and edginess that will soften with time.

Vanilla oak notes accent the plum and cherry fruit, offset by solid tannins. Finds equilibrium, building in intensity and ending with an elegant, savory finish. Decant. Sangiovese. BS