Here's another surprise hit from what was not, objectively speaking, an easy vintage. The 2014 Brunello di Montalcino defies the odds to deliver a medium dark appearance and a structured, mid-weight style. The wine delivers impressive intensity and balanced integrity that transcends both the bouquet and the palate. Dark fruit flavors of blackberry and dried cherry segue to spice, grilled herb and campfire ash. I am impressed especially because I appreciate how hard it was to achieve this level of quality and intensity in 2014. Some 21,074 bottles were made.