2012 San Filippo Brunello Le Lucere

($80) This is a terrific wine from San Filippo. The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino le Lucére is plush and rich in all the right places. It opens to a generous bouquet with tones of dark fruit and spice that contrast each other nicely. The wine straddles a position between primary aromas (directly from the fruit) and secondary aromas (derived from oak aging). The effect is well balanced and the intensity of the wine feels brighter and more harmonious as a result. The mouthfeel is compact and firm. It wine shows good persistence in terms of finish.  Wine Advocate 94

This is an incredible 2012 with fantastic depth, richness, focus and tension. Full body, polished and velvety tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Goes on for minutes. Better in 2020 but a joy to taste now. One of the wines of the vintage.  James Suckling 98