Wine Advocate (94)

The Giuseppe Mascarello 2012 Barolo Riserva Monprivato Cà d'Morissio is only made in the best vintages. We did not see the wine in 2009 and 2011, but we did see it in 2010 and 2013. I have some reservations regarding this expression from the hot 2012 vintage. I tasted the wine at two separate moments, and although my first impression was one of enthusiasm, I was disappointed to see that it did not hold very long once the bottle was opened. This is a delicate and fragile wine that starts with wild berry and tobacco but ultimately reveals sun-drenched fruit, scorched earth and dried cherry skin. The quality of the fruit is very ripe, open and probably prone to some oncoming oxidation due to the hot and dry growing conditions. My suggestion is to catch this iconic wine on the near side instead of the far side.

Vinous (94)

The 2012 Barolo Tre Tine is lifted, precise and gracious, with beams of firm supporting tannin that give the wine its energy and sense of proportion. Tasted next to the Brunate, the Tre Tine is distinctly more aromatic, delicate and feminine in style, with plenty of bright red fruit and floral overtones. I also tasted the 2012 from a bottle opened two days prior, and the wine had retained pretty much all of its precision. Although the Brunate is the most coveted wine at Rinaldi, the Tre Tine has been impressive in its first three vintages. The 2012 is no exception. Tre Tine is a blend of fruit from the Rinaldi family's holdings in Cannubi (San Lorenzo), Ravera and Le Coste.

Created in the fertile vineyards of Serralunga d’Alba in Italy's Piedmont region, Grasso Tiziano Barolo Briccolina 2012 exemplifies meticulous winemaking. Produced by notable winemaker Tiziano Grasso, the Barolo Briccolina boasts high-quality Nebbiolo grapes grown on the south-east facing Briccolina hill. The distinct climate of the region nurtures the grapes to ripen slowly, thus building a depth of flavour. The year 2012 saw an idyllic blend of sun, rain and temperature, contributing to a well-balanced palate.

Following fermentation, the wine was meticulously matured in traditional large French oak barrels. The maturation process of Grasso Tiziano Barolo Briccolina 2012 enriches the wine's perfumed aromas and accentuates its structure and complexity. This vintage is distinguished by its deep ruby colour and rich, layered taste. It offers sumptuous notes of dark cherry, licorice and hints of earthiness with a long, superbly tannic finish, promising a perfect bottle to those patient enough to cellar it.

Wine Advocate (93)

The 2012 Barbaresco Gallina Vürsù is a gorgeous expression that marches to the beat of its own drum (as do all of Giorgio Rivetti's fascinating wines). The wine delivers intensity, density and freshness in equal measure throughout its balanced presentation. The perfumed bouquet offers dark fruit and dried cherry with subtle touches of cinnamon and dark cola in a background role.

Vinous (96)

The 2012 Barolo Le Vigne, here in a library release, is still a very young wine. Bright acids lift a core of red fruit in a Barolo that impresses with its vibrancy. Spice, blood orange, mint, rose petal and lavender open with a bit of time in the glass. The 2012 showed quite a bit of potential as a young wine, now, that potential is really starting to come through. This is a terrific showing.

Vinous (96)

The 2012 Barolo Le Vigne, here in a library release, is still a very young wine. Bright acids lift a core of red fruit in a Barolo that impresses with its vibrancy. Spice, blood orange, mint, rose petal and lavender open with a bit of time in the glass. The 2012 showed quite a bit of potential as a young wine, now, that potential is really starting to come through. This is a terrific showing.

Vinous (95)

The 2012 Barolo Cannubi Boschis is exquisite. Soft and silky (for a still-youthful Barolo), the 2012 is positively stellar. Ripe dark cherry, plum, spice, leather, menthol and licorice build effortlessly with a bit of time in the glass. The 2012 is not a profound wine, but it is exceptionally beautiful and also a fabulous choice for drinking now and over the next 15-20 years

Vinous (95)

The 2012 Barolo Cannubi Boschis is exquisite. Soft and silky (for a still-youthful Barolo), the 2012 is positively stellar. Ripe dark cherry, plum, spice, leather, menthol and licorice build effortlessly with a bit of time in the glass. The 2012 is not a profound wine, but it is exceptionally beautiful and also a fabulous choice for drinking now and over the next 15-20 years

Vinous (94)

At nearly ten years of age, the 2012 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is a terrific choice for readers who want to enjoy a Rionda with a bit of bottle age. Moreover, the 2012 is a wine of pure charm and seduction, which makes it a joy to taste today. Lavender, rose petal, blood orange, star anise, spice, earthiness and red/purplish fruit convey the inner perfume that is such a Rionda signature. The 2012 doesn't quite have the complexity or structure of some vintages, but that does not attract from its tremendous appeal. There is more than enough energy and tannic grip to ensure for another 15-20 years of fine drinking, maybe more, so readers can drink or hold. The classically austere finish will delight fans of traditionally made Barolo.

Experience the riveting allure of the distinguished Oreste Stefano Barolo Perno 2012, a timeless exemplar of the Piemonte region's grandeur. Produced by Oreste Stefano - a cellarer famed for a meticulous approach, this Barolo is a sumptuous homage to traditional vinification. Assembled entirely from Nebbiolo grapes, this vintage embodies a divine synthesis of finesse and potency.

Matured in Slavonian oak barrels, the Oreste Stefano Barolo Perno 2012 offers an opulent tapestry of harmonised tannins, combined with a brilliant acidity countenance. Its olfactory profile is a graceful serenade of roses, cherries, and hint of licorice. On the palate, one can expect a full-bodied wine with a seamless balance of ripe red fruits, laced subtly with earthy undertones.

Crafted in the verdant swathes of Barolo Perno, famed for its calcareous-clay matrix, this stellar wine faithfully represents the terrains' unique microclimate, culminating in a lasting, elegant finish.

James Suckling (93)

This is very silky and refined with chocolate, meat and coffee aromas and flavors, but it's so refined and beautiful. Impressive for its delicate complexity. Drink now or hold.

Vinous (94)

The 2012 Barolo Ginestra Riserva is gorgeous. Fresh, aromatic and beautifully lifted, the 2012 is all grace. Ginestra Barolos are often brawny and powerful. Conterno's 2012 stands out for its sensuality, finesse and total sense of harmony. Bright acids perk up a core of sweet red berry fruit as the 2012 gradually reveals its many charms.

Vinous (95)

The 2012 Barolo Bussia Dardi Le Rose is another fabulous wine from Poderi Colla. Deep, layered and quite giving at the moment, the 2012 has more than enough depth to drink well for many years to come. It is perhaps not as pedigreed as the 2013 tasted alongside it, but it is very, very close. In fact, this is one of the highlights of the vintage.

Vinous (90)

The 2012 Barolo Riserva Bussia Vigna Colonnello is an intriguing wine. Whole clusters add an exotic element of perfume to the Nebbiolo fruit in this expressive, highly nuanced Barolo. Orange peel, mint, sage and pine overtones all emerge with time in the glass. Understated and also persistent, the 2012 has quite a bit of personality.

Vinous (94+)

The 2012 Barbaresco Crichët Pajè is tight and not especially expressive today. In this vintage, the Crichët Pajè is a bit more floral and lighter in structure than it can be. Imagine Burgundy with Nebbiolo acids and tannins. Among other things, that means the 2012 will drink well with minimal cellaring, in relative terms for this bottling. Despite its reticence, the 2012 is also restrained and so nuanced. I can't wait to see how it develops in bottle.

James Suckling (98)

Amazing aromas of flowers from lilacs and violets to raspberries and blackberries. Full-bodied, yet ultra-elegant. So much fruit that lasts for minutes on the palate. Tangy acidity. Truly a great wine. Better in 2019 but a joy to taste now.

Heralding from the esteemed terrains of Langhe, Piedmont, Serradenari Barolo 2012 is an embodiment of Italian viticulture prowess. Produced by Tenuta Serradenari, this exceptional vintage intimately portrays the confluence of nature and human touch in captivating opulence. Finely crafted from 100% Nebbiolo grapes, the wine stands testament to the estate's adherence to traditional vinification methods, emulating a profound respect to terroir while marrying contemporary ingenuity.

Serradenari Barolo 2012 is redolent with robust layers of black cherry, truffle, tobacco, and a whisper of rose petal, fiercely contained in a structured body and elegantly displayed over a lengthy finish. Suitably aged in French oak for 24 months prior to bottling, the resultant libation is an epitome of depth, complexity and harmonious poise.

With only 1,500 bottles made, Serradenari Barolo 2012 is a precious jewel in the repertoire of any discerning oenophile, encapsulating the passionate stewardship and unyielding quest for excellence of Tenuta Serradenari.

Unveiling a sublime encounter of quality and heritage, the Serradenari Viticoltori in La Morra Barolo La Vetta 2012 is an exceptional sample of the Barolo appellation. Crafted in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, this illustrious Barolo celebrates the lauded Nebbiolo grape from the La Vetta vineyard, perched at the highest altitude possible for Barolo, poised 536 metres above sea level. Its delicate approach to vinification involves fermentation in stainless steel tanks before maturing in French oak, delivering an elegantly structured wine.

The 2012 vintage presents a majestic aroma bouquet brimming with red cherries, wild herbs, and subtly intertwined with hints of vanilla. The Serradenari Viticoltori in La Morra Barolo La Vetta 2012 is a true testament to the meticulous precision and respect for tradition exercised by this world-renowned winery. A remarkable indulgence, it manifests the quintessential grace and longevity of a premium Barolo, designed for dedicated connoisseurs and collectors alike.

Vinous (93)

Sweet red cherries, tobacco, mint, spices and new leather flesh out in Vietti's 2012 Barbaresco Masseria. Open-knit, silky and gracious, the 2012 is already quite expressive, yet also has enough depth to drink well for a number of years. So many 2012 Barbarescos are a bit forward, but Vietti's 2012 stands out for its freshness. Drink this super-elegant, refined Barbaresco over the next 15-20 years.

James Suckling (97)

The aromas of licorice, violets and bramble berries impress. Full body, incredible length and texture. Lasts for minutes on the palate. Give it at least five years to soften.

Vinous (96)

The 2012 Barolo Lazzarito impresses for its precision and class, two qualities that aren't easy to find in wines from this Serralunga site. Iron, smoke and white pepper lift from the glass in a vertical, structured Barolo endowed with real pedigree. A rush of pomegranate, red cherry jam, wild flowers and blood orange meld into the huge, bright finish. In 2012, the Lazzarito reconciles power and finesse like few vintages in the past. For the last few years, the Lazzarito has been knocking on the door of the big boys in this lineup, the Rocche and Ravera. Today, the Lazzarito makes a strong statement that it has arrived.

Vinous (96)

The 2012 Barolo Ravera is once again a star. Finely cut and chiseled throughout, the 2012 boasts striking precision and nuance. Rose petal, chalk, white pepper, cranberry and pomegranate burst forward in a brilliant, exceptionally polished Barolo built on pure, sculpted elegance. Over the last few years Vietti has done a tremendous job in taming the intense Ravera tannins while preserving all of the focus that makes the wines from this site so alluring. The Ravera has been fabulous on the two occassions I have tasted it so far.

Wine Advocate (97)

This is the 13th edition that Vietti has come out with, over the span of 38 years, of this stunning Riserva, a wine that ultimately is produced only about once every four years or so. It was not made after the previous harvest, in 2011. The recent editions have been nothing short of spectacular, earning 100-point scores in both 2007 and 2009 and 99 points in its latest appearance, 2010. It's a series that has set the bar extraordinarily high, and this 2012 Barolo Riserva Villero is a little less exciting in comparison. However, the wine holds its own as one of the most beautiful in the entire appellation and one of the best in the somewhat lackluster vintage. Balsamic and truffle notes pepper the palate of this handsome Barolo, but it's just really hard to reproduce that magic, release after release, for a wine regularly expected to sell at several hundred dollars apiece. Some 3,300 bottles of this vintage were made.