Bright full red. Inviting soil-inflected aromas of musky strawberry, mocha, and violet. Broad, round and sweet on the palate, with fine-grained bitter cherry, sandalwood and spicy flavors. Creamy and welcoming in the mouth, and not exactly the last word in inner-mouth tension or grip, but offers savory fruit notes and a fine dusting of tannins that persist nicely on the long back end.

This wine aims to present a contemporary and accessible side of Brunello. The 2014 Brunello di Montalcino Ugolforte (with 10,000 bottles produced) is on the thin and watery side. This vintage offers less overall intensity and power. Indeed, 2014 presents a somewhat dimmed interpretation of Sangiovese. This wine is fermented in stainless steel and aged in barrique (of which only one-third is new) for one year before going into large casks for an additional two years. The implementation of those mixed aging vessels tends to add softness and tangy spice flavors to the relatively easygoing fiber and texture of this youthful Brunello.

A taut laser of a red, with focused berry fruit and a leafy underbrush note. Despite the slim profile, the tannins are dense and the acidity vibrant. Drink now. 900 cases made, 250 cases imported.