The "dark beauty" of Belnero is its profile of sweet, ripe black fruits. Not sugary sweet, but sweet as in juicy and succulent. This wine is generally referenced as a so-called Super Tuscan, but it fits my personal definition, taking advantage of the excellent and diverse vineyards of Castello Banfi. Everything about Belnero is seamless. With tremendous purity of dark fruits and the restrained presence of oak, this is a spicy Tuscan wine that is supple and friendly for those who would choose to drink it now, and rewarding for those who choose to wait a few years until secondary aromas slowly emerge. Bottom line, for the price it is one of the greatest values in the world in red wine. A platinum award-winner at the 2016 Critics Challenge International Wine and Spirits Competition.
Castello Banfi, Toscana IGT (Italy) 2012
By Robert Whitley