Frescobaldi CastelGiocondo Brunello di Montalcino (2014)

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

91 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 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.

90 Decanter Rather than its typical 12 months in barriques followed by 12 months in botti, the 2014 was transferred to large casks after just six months to curb oxidation of this more delicate vintage. It's not as dainty as some of its peers, as the saignée technique was used to increase concentration. The result is a fleshy red with ripe fruit nuanced by iron, smoke and fennel notes. It's well-balanced and finishes with a saline tang.

90 Wine Spectator High-strung, offering floral, strawberry, cherry and mineral flavors stretched tightly on a linear frame. Shows intensity and harmony, along with a finely etched structure, ending with a long aftertaste of fruit, mineral and spice. Best from 2021 through 2040.