"The 2012 Pignolo is earthy from the start, blending flowery undergrowth and sous bois with wilted violets, balsamic spice and dried black cherries. Like liquid velvet, this sweeps across the palate, dense yet lively, with masses of ripe wild berry fruits lifted by cooling acidity. Ginger and savory herbal tones amass toward the close. Long and tannic, yet still fresh, the 2012 leaves a web of drying structure yet also a core of primary concentration to balance it all out." -Eric Guido
Robert Parker
RP90
"The Moschioni 2012 Friuli Colli Orientali Riserva Pignolo is a dark and brooding red wine made from a local grape that gets its name from the pine cone shape of its clusters. Pigna means "pine cone" in Italian. The tightness of the clusters results in the extra darkness and concentrated richness that is delivered here with such momentum and power (and a 15% alcoholic content). That tightness also builds the sharpness of the tannins. Like the previously reviewed 2011 vintage, this edition from 2012 shows enormous tannic power that will probably never fully diminish even with more cellar aging. You must be a fan of this style, and still, you'll want a very fatty braised meat to accompany something this astringent." -Monica Larner
