Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2012

One of Montalcino's shining lights, Biondi-Santi has consistently produced exceptional wines for centuries. The estate is now with the sixth and seventh generations, but it was the fifth-generation winemaker, Franco Biondi-Santi, who made the estate the icon it is today.

The fact that 2012 was the last vintage overseen by Franco before he passed away in 2013 makes this wine special enough. But factor in the knowledge that 2012 is only the 39th vintage Biondi-Santi has deemed Riserva-worthy since 1888, and you can see why the wine world has been getting itself into such a tizz about this wine since its release in 2020.

These hen's-teeth wines are only released when the family considers them ready to drink (despite having decades of life still in them). Wine Enthusiast instantly awarded this one 100 points for its symphony of aromas and flavours.

Everything about it is in perfect harmony - the bright cherry and raspberry fruit; the earthy, spicy Sangiovese tang; the vibrant acidity, refined tannins and developing notes of leather and pungent forest floor. There are many ways to spend 500 quid but trust us, few better than this elegy to a winemaking genius.