For the challenging 2014 vintage Cortonesi blended their top ‘Poggiarell’ cru, a warmer site in southerly Castelnuovo dell’Abate, with the estate wine. The result is a fantastic Brunello for immediate, guilt-free enjoyment (i.e. it may evolve but it’s got more than enough going on now), which massively outperforms the vintage (see Vinous note below…).
Freshness and spice, cranberries and cloves, redcurrant, brick dust, cedar smoke, pressed rose petals and briar, a hint of balsamic, the florality really comes through on the nose.
Lean but not mean, sinuous and savoury, just enough succulent smoky yet crunchy red fruits, with smoked meat, bounded by dusty tannins and salty medicinal acidity, a Brunello for Burgundy lovers. Tom Harrow
“Deep red-ruby. Musky aromas of red/dark cherry, black pepper and flint. In the mouth, ripe red cherry and sweet spice flavors are lifted by floral nuances. This is one of the most lush, meaty and smooth 2014 Brunellos I tasted this year, but also showcases admirable balance. It’s at once concentrated but refined, closing with suave tannins and lovely length. Should prove to be relatively long-lived as well as one of the better Brunellos of the 2014 vintage.” 92 Ian D’Agata Vinous