Inky dark, exploding with aromas of juicy berries, exotic spices, cigar wrapper, and fresh-cut herbs, the 2012 Magari offers sheer delight to wine-lovers, both new to Italian wine and seasoned aficionados. This lush wine, half Merlot with 25% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, is one of the greatest Super Tuscans around. Magari gets its name from a common Italian expression, whose ironic translation means, “if only it were true,” and serves to highlight the joy of its sincerely joyful drinking. Elegant and rich, this ’12 bottling shows the hand of Angelo and the finesse of his daughter, Gaia, who assumes more control in the winemaking every year. It’s a ripe vintage that offers terrific near-term appeal, while still having the structure for long-term pleasure.