A firm and racy red with cherry, cedar and milk chocolate. Remains fresh and focused. Medium-bodied with racy tannins that are pretty and poised. Very well done for this vintage. Better in a year or two.

Here is Podere Paganico's answer to a cool vintage. We have not seen many Riservas from the cool and rainy 2014 vintage, and in fact, I think you could count them all on one hand. The 2014 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a rarity and a courageous wine. It is a wine that deserves a great deal of respect and admiration because virtually everyone else in the appellation bailed on making a Riserva in 2014. These are happy results, and I recommend the wine to those who appreciate the softer and more delicate side of Sangiovese. Indeed, next to this estate's warm-vintage 2015 classic Brunello (also on the market now), this bottle shows more nuance and finesse. Tart cherry, cassis and cranberry cede to bitter almond and medicinal herb. It should be fun to see its aging progression in ten years' time.