You got to hand it to this estate. Giancarlo Pacenti and his team have put enormous care into creating a wine that offers so much blissful intensity and character, you never once think of the vintage hardships experienced in this wet and cold growing season. The 2014 Brunello di Montalcino Vecchie Vigne takes full advantage of those low yields and deep root systems that are associated with old vines to offer a stable and consistent expression. In a vertical tasting, the 2014 vintage represents a fitting continuum between the sharpness you get in 2013 and the more pronounced ripeness and softness you will get in the upcoming 2015 vintage. This is a round and supple wine with abundant primary fruit and stable structure. Some 14,000 bottles were made.

Deep red-ruby. Spicy, earthy nuances complement the ripe red cherry, balsamic and herbal aromas and flavors; this is just a touch bigger and riper than the 2014 Brunello Pellagrilli. The finish is long and smooth; this is one of the best showings for the vintage.