Talenti Brunello di Montalcino 2014

90 pts Vinous

Red-ruby. Musky aromas of redcurrant, mocha, menthol and underbrush, lifted by a hint of blood orange. Then concentrated, sweet and savory if a bit dusty, with ripe flavors of dark cherries and smoky oak dominating. There’s enough ripe fruit here given the vintage’s characteristics (cold, rainy, much of the Sangiovese in Montalcino failed to ripen properly) but the dry-edged, assertive tannins limit this wine's appeal. Big, bold and very tannic in typical Talenti style but I would have liked a bit more primary fruit and lift. In any case, this is a very good showing for the year, and it also strikes me as a much better balanced wine than some other past vintages from Talenti.

91 pts James Suckling

Some savory notes of earth and walnuts here, as well as a slightly dusty array of dried cherries. The palate has a tart red-fruit core and approachable, if firm tannins. Drink now.

92 pts Wine Spectator

A rich, muscular style, featuring a core of pure cherry alongside strawberry, floral and black pepper flavors. Dense, with tight tannins that leave a burr on the finish. Best from 2022 through 2038. 1,700 cases made, 415 cases imported.

93 pts Wine Advocate

The 2014 Brunello di Montalcino is made according to classic winemaking tradition. The fruit is fermented in stainless steel and later aged in barrel (made with both Slavonian and Allier oak) for 30 months. The bouquet is bright and layered with all kinds of smaller berry fruit followed by plum, spice and toasted nut. In no small feat, this wine avoids feeling too light or thin. It is a mid-weight effort with good power and structure to push it forward over the palate. Production is capped at 20,000 bottles. This is a very successful interpretation of a difficult vintage.