Chewy and tannic for a 2014, but there’s sweet fruit underneath with citrus and floral brightness. Medium body. Flavorful finish. Go-to Brunello. Drink or hold.

The 2014 Brunello di Montalcino (with 300,000 bottles made) hits a sweet spot. It's not too intense, nor is it too weak. Hitting that balance was not easy for many producers across the appellation, especially in a vintage that threw as many curve balls as this one. This wine offers measured fruit, measured intensity and tannins that are firm but also accessible. Given the large bottle production here, this is a good go-to Brunello for those who want to taste the vintage, but who don't want to get bogged down by anything more complicated. (ML)

Luminous red. Fresh aromas of redcurrant, tea leaf, underbrush, minerals and blood orange. Then juicy and bright with a midweight mouthfeel and flavors similar to the aromas. Finishes vibrant and very pure. A lovely Brunello in the light style that is typical of 2014; well done. I’d drink this up sooner than later, but I love its combination of early drinking pleasure and food-flexibility; in fact, this will make an outstanding restaurant wine by the glass choice. (ID)