Year of the ox

94 points – JAMES SUCKLING

Classification and total production

Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG

688 numbered bottles – 1,5 L format

2014 vintage at Castiglion del Bosco

From a climatic point of view, 2014 was one of the most challenging vintages. It was characterized by a rainy, but mild winter. Spring was cool with a few temperature leaps, which lead to a great vegetative growth. The strong presence of water in the soil enabled a good ripening of the bunches and allowed a great flowering. In the vineyard close attention was paid to the grapes and vines, adjusting the foliage as needed in order to control humidity while berries remained healthy. 2014 was an old style vintage that recalls the historical Brunello.

Vinification and ageing

The excellent quality of the grapes enabled a prolonged maceration, which continued after the fermentation phase. Ageing took place in selected French oak barrels for 36 months.

Winemaker tasting notes

Zodiac Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2014 is a wine of pronounced personality. Broad aromas of red fruits as well as dried rose and violet, backed by the underlying freshness. A wine that shows all its character starting from the nose. Bright freshness and acidity along with a dense, but elegant tannin texture, lead the palate of this great wine toward a balanced and pronounced finish.

Cecilia Leoneschi, november 2020