2014 Uccelliera, Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy.
The Uccelliera Rosso is a surprising hit from a tough vintage, this baby Brunello is a richly textured, ripe and medium/full bodied Sangiovese that has classic character and detailed flavors. While 2014 won’t go down as a great vintage in Tuscany, there have been some remarkable successes, so as long as you are diligent you’ll be be able to find some real gems, like this Uccelliera Rosso di Montalcino. Uccelliera makes one of the top Brunello(s) especially at the price, and their Rosso is never far behind in quality and value, this Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello Clone) delivers layers of deep red fruits, earth, spice and is clean and silken in the mouth. The 2014 Uccelliera Rosso di Montalcino starts with dried flowers, truffle, cedar and crushed red berries leading to a palate formed of juicy raspberry, black cherry, strawberry and plum fruits as well as tobacco leaf, loamy earth, leather and minty anise. Pure and round in feel, there is plenty of acidity to keep things energized and a touch of bitter tannins, better to enjoy this stylish red with food to get the most of this bottling. It lingers with succulent tangy currants and a hint of menthol, but it’s not tart or thin, this is really a fine example of careful winemaking and makes for a really charming Tuscan expression, drink from 2017 to 2020.
($30 Est.) 91 Points, grapelive
