The 2012 Tenuta di Trinoro travels one gear lower compared to the excellent 2011 vintage that precedes it. Andrea Franchetti says the vines were stressed by the summer heat and by overproduction following the exceptional fruit in 2011. Of the varieties used in the blend, the Cabernet Sauvignon showed the best results and that grape plays a bigger role in this blend. In fact, of all the wines tasted in this vertical, 2012 has the biggest Cabernet Sauvignon presence. This is a large-boned and thickly structured red wine that delivers ample muscle and power. Some of the finer nuances are lost, but the wine delivers impressive intensity nonetheless.

Expressive notes of sweet cherry, plum, spice and tobacco stand up to the tannins in this ripe, fresh red. This is balanced to drink now, but will be more harmonious in a year. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Drink now through 2018. 700 cases made. –BS

Peculiar in that it's almost 100% Cabernet Sauvignon which has never happened before, and he only decided to do that at the last minute. Very dark crimson. Quite high in VA. Rich and sweet with depth but lots of acidity. Very young but the tannins are well covered. Very clean and brisk. The Cabernet Sauvignon mainly comes from the highest vineyards. Rather more complete than the 2011 all-Cabernet Franc wine.

Dense and concentrated, this blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Cabernet Franc and 8% Petit Verdot initially has a subdued nose that eventually reveals prune, alcohol, tobacco and leather aromas. The syrupy palate doles out blackberry extract, fig, sweet spice and soaring alcohol alongside velvety tannins. While some may like the sheer power, the dominant alcohol stunts any complexity, giving it a monolithic quality.