Frescobaldi - Tenuta Castelgiocondo : Ripe al Convento 2014

Very few producers had the courage to make a Brunello Riserva in 2014, so I applaud the tiny group that did decide to venture into this risky territory. The Frescobaldi 2014 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Ripe al Convento shows dark fruit with a pronounced savory side that translates as leather, tobacco and grilled rosemary. The primary fruit is more subdued, and what does come forward does so as red cassis and wild berry. The wine offers a delicate and lean mouthfeel with some dusty tannins on the close.

In a taut, elegant style, this red offers pure cherry and strawberry flavors, accented by floral and spice notes, fused to a base of pointed tannins that leave a mouthcoating grip on the finish. Best from 2021 through 2033. 1,000 cases made, 200 cases imported.

A really refined and polished 2014. Wonderful surprise for the vintage. Aromatic with flowers and plums. Cherries, too. Medium body. Fine finish. Fresh and pretty. Drink or hold.

Tasted blind. Deep ruby. Balsamic, sweet nose and a ripe cherry fruit palate with a little zest, which peters out on the finish. Long and pleasant but seems to have already reached its peak. (WS)

Shiny ruby with a light garnet shimmer. Fine mature berry notes, juicy cherry, finely drawn. On the palate, grippy, well-crafted tannins, juicy fruit, but it clearly dries out on the finish.

Leafy underbrush, French oak and wet earth aromas lead the way along with whiffs of new leather and fruitcake. The palate is lean on fruit richness, offering vanilla, licorice and prune alongside close-grained tannins that leave a drying close. Drink through 2026.