2012 Fattoria dei Barbi, Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany

If you could only buy one Brunello this year, this is it! Each year we try to find a standout Brunello for under $50. In this category, we had a lot of good options given the stellar 2012 vintage. But, we have found a clear winner!
The 2012 vintage will be talked about for years. But when we tasted the 2012 Barbi, we were captivated by the sexy aromas of cherry, dried flowers and truffle filled underbrush. "You can almost smell the countryside in this expressive red." Wine Spectator
What really separates Barbi Brunello from the others at this price is the terrific collage of flavors and aromas: cedar, tobacco, underbrush and spices lead to dark red cherries on the palate; mild toasty oak has a faint but welcome presence along with finessed tannins that give it terrific length. A little menthol kick on the finish offers wonderful contrast to the rich fruit.
A few interesting facts about the winery: the Colombini Family, which owns Fattoria dei Barbi, purchased the land in 1352; with over 650 years of winemaking, Barbi was the first Brunello to be exported and shared around the world. There is no substitute for experience, and it shows.
Barbi pairs perfectly with roasted or grilled red meats, hearty pasta dishes and is excellent with mature cheeses. Utterly delicious now, this Brunello will continue to evolve gorgeously in the next 3 to 5 years - but we dare you not to try a few bottles before then! Enjoy.