The Castel 2012 with the raffles block at mine. This is a beautiful castel that bloomed from a 4.1 to become a strong 4.2. Decanted for 1hr 45mins
Medium body, brownish red. Slight smoke / wood on the nose. It’s rich, jammy red fruit, oak and vanilla. A little caramel. This wasn’t the same COMPLEX nose like the 2015 or 2016, but it’s still more than the usual brunellos.

Medium Light bodied on palette. Oak and vanilla
Long finish, high acid, tannin still structure but rounded off. Could stand to age quite a bit more.
High alcohol that’s noticeable (hot vintage)

2.5 hours in nose is wide and deep. Super elegant and just decadent. Is there even a comparable brunello at this price? Idk.

Buying guide? If you have patience to properly decant your wines, just go with the 2015 or 2016. Those are a tier above the 2012.