2014 Argiano, Brunello di Montalcino

Vinous 88

The 2014 Brunello di Montalcino is very pretty, with rose hips and cinnamon-tinged cherries wafting up from the glass. It’s soft-textured and delicate in feel, casting floral-tinged red fruits and minerals across the palate. There’s a hint of sour citrus as tart red currant and hints of vanilla linger in this immediate and light-hearted Brunello, which is ready to drink now. Production was cut in half in 2014 to try to produce the best wine possible, and 2014 also marks the year that large-cask aging was integrated, although the casks at that time were new. This is a rare and atypical expression of Argiano Brunello. [Eric Guido, 11/01/2022]

Anticipated maturity: 2021-2025

Robert Parker 91

Argiano’s 2014 Brunello di Montalcino is visibly thinner and leaner compared to any other past vintage that comes to mind. The aromas are stripped down as well, but I do think there is a good chance that they will flesh out with more time in the bottle. Brunello tends to be at its thinnest drinking point upon its initial commercial release. Another 12 months should be of considerable help and I don’t reject the idea that this wine will take on more volume in as little as 6 to 12 months. Bottle production is usually around 130,000, but this year only 80,000 bottles were made. [Monica Larner, 14/12/2018]

Anticipated maturity: 2020-2030