Just Sangi (but arguably from the best spot on earth to grow it), and then at least aged in oak for 2 years and 4 months in a bottle before release (that’s minimum, for most producers it is more). And 2014 wasn’t a superstar vintage but good producers still made good wine. And while we don’t put a whole lot of faith in points or reviews, here you go. Good wine at a good price.
2014 Castiglion del Bosco, Brunello di Montalcino $36
Sangiovese
Gentle aromas of sour red cherry, mint and minerals. Then bright and steely, with a discreet, refined set of flavors similar to the aromas. Closes medium-long and clean. Was $56 Now $36
Critical Acclaim
James Suckling 91 Pts
The oak is very assertive here and wrestles savory cedar, meat and spices into red plums. The palate has a juicy, tangy red fruit core and good upfront appeal. Drink this in the next six years.
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate 91 pts
Richly aromatic from the start, the 2014 Brunello di Montalcino offers deep, dark fruit that is amply supplemented by oak spice, tobacco and cured leather. I would argue that the wood influences appear even more prominent in a vintage like 2014 that saw a delicate and subtle quality of fruit to begin with. This Brunello is lean and polished in terms of mouthfeel with medium length and depth.
2014 Caparzo, Brunello di Montalcino $39
Sangiovese
This wine offers complex aromas of wild berry fruit. On the palate, it is dry, warm, firm, harmonious, delicate, austere and persistent. Was $45, Now $39
Critical Acclaim
Wine Spectator 92pts
Bright, with cherry and raspberry fruit, this Brunello is elegant and charming. Accents of mineral and peppery greens—arugula, mizuna—develop on the lingering aftertaste. Best from 2021 through 2032.
James Suckling 91 pts
Aromas of dark fruit, dried leaves and hints of cedar follow through to a medium to full body, a solid core of fruit and chewy tannins and a flavorful finish. A little hollow in the center palate, but delivers high quality for the vintage. Give it a year or two to fill in. Drink in 2020.
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate 90pts
The 2014 Brunello di Montalcino is a ripe and nicely balanced effort from a vintage that threw its share of curveballs at producers. The wine rises above those difficulties, showing clearly delineated tones of cherry, plum and spice. It is crisp and lean in terms of mouthfeel, with the shallow depth of flavors that is definitely characteristic of the 2014 vintage.