Halliday Wine Companion (99)

Pale straw-green - an extraordinary colour of an extraordinary wine. A fragrant bouquet floats out of the glass and introduces a palate that has the best of all worlds: lemon, lemon curd, beeswax and fruit spice with no hint of the searing acidity Hunter Valley semillon can throw at the unwary. Here it is perfectly (and naturally) balanced. A worthy companion to the sublime Graveyard Shiraz '18.

Wine Advocate (93+)

Here's an interesting expression from Alex Sanchez and Elena and Cristina Brovia in Castiglione Falletto. The 2014 Barolo Unìo opens to a dark color tonality and an immediately velvety texture. The bouquet is brimming with dark fruit aromas spanning from Morello cherry to bitter currant. Spice, tar, cola and balsam herb fill in the background evenly and with harmony. This is a well-balanced wine from the 2014 vintage that shows impressive integrity across all the senses. Some 24,000 bottles were produced.

Wine Advocate (93+)

Here's an interesting expression from Alex Sanchez and Elena and Cristina Brovia in Castiglione Falletto. The 2014 Barolo Unìo opens to a dark color tonality and an immediately velvety texture. The bouquet is brimming with dark fruit aromas spanning from Morello cherry to bitter currant. Spice, tar, cola and balsam herb fill in the background evenly and with harmony. This is a well-balanced wine from the 2014 vintage that shows impressive integrity across all the senses. Some 24,000 bottles were produced.

The Bruno Clair Marsannay Rose 2014 is an exquisite expression from the esteemed French wine producer, Bruno Clair. Hailing from the Marsannay region of Burgundy, the grapes for this elegant rosé are meticulously harvested from a distinctive, calcareous clay terroir. This meticulously selected provenance gives the wine its signature notes.

This pale-hued, refreshing rosé artfully amalgamates flavours of succulent strawberries, red cherries, and hints of citrus, underpinned by a delightful minerality. Aged in the domaine's traditional ‘foudres’, large wooden vats, it presents an intriguing complexity and texture. The vintage 2014 embodies the signature freshness of Bruno Clair's wines, imbued with a lingering finish, rendering it a perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes.

The Bruno Clair Marsannay Rose 2014 is indicative of Bruno Clair’s emblematic precision and expression of terroir, a testament to the domaine's mastery in winemaking, refined over generations. An indulgent experience for discerning wine enthusiasts.

Wine Advocate (93)

This is a difficult wine to find in the marketplace and it is rarely presented for official review. In fact, the last time it was produced was way back in 2008. The 2014 Barbaresco sees fruit sourced from the lower part of the Asili cru with some smaller amounts from Rabajà. This is a very opulent and rich expression with forward determination and power. This is an unusual vintage with a cool summer and a very warm pre-harvest period. It produced interesting wines specifically in Barbaresco and almost nowhere else in Northern Italy. The quality of fruit is ripe and a touch sweet. Its texture is succulent and soft. The wine feels like it could be ready to drink now, but it also has the pedigree and beautiful inner structure for long cellar aging.

James Suckling (99)

Incredible aromas of violets, roses and blue fruits. So perfumed. Never smelled a wine like this before. Full body, perfectly integrated tannins and bright, vivid acidity. Extremely long and endless. A seamless and great one. An evocative wine that makes you think. Needs three to five years of bottle age on release. Unique red. Available in 2019.

James Suckling (99)

Incredible aromas of violets, roses and blue fruits. So perfumed. Never smelled a wine like this before. Full body, perfectly integrated tannins and bright, vivid acidity. Extremely long and endless. A seamless and great one. An evocative wine that makes you think. Needs three to five years of bottle age on release. Unique red. Available in 2019.

Vinous (96)

The 2014 Barbaresco Rabajà is gorgeous. Powerful and explosive, the 2014 possesses stunning depth and intensity in all of its dimensions. Spice, menthol and orange peel give the 2014 a level of exoticism that is compelling, while beams of searing tannin announce the presence and pedigree of Rabajà. Intense, tannic and yet also very precise, with soaring structure and terrific persistence, the 2014 Rabajà is the best wine the Bruno Giacosa estate has made in many years.

James Suckling (96)

Impressive fresh leather-clad red cherries with a subtle earthiness in the background. Quite pure. Floral and aromatic. The palate has a very elegant yet powerful core of blueberries and cherries. A smooth release of fruit sweetness into the fresh and vibrant finish. Elegant and classic. More open than normal. Impressive now but better from 2022.

James Suckling (98)

The aromas are so seductive with dried roses and berries. Tar and asphalt, too. Full bodied, very tight and powerful. Lean and long tannins. It goes on for so long. Stops and then starts over again. A curious and challenging young wine. Great. In the market in 2020. Better in 2026.

James Suckling (98)

The aromas are so seductive with dried roses and berries. Tar and asphalt, too. Full bodied, very tight and powerful. Lean and long tannins. It goes on for so long. Stops and then starts over again. A curious and challenging young wine. Great. In the market in 2020. Better in 2026.

James Suckling (98)

The aromas are so seductive with dried roses and berries. Tar and asphalt, too. Full bodied, very tight and powerful. Lean and long tannins. It goes on for so long. Stops and then starts over again. A curious and challenging young wine. Great. In the market in 2020. Better in 2026.

Vinous (94+)

Rocca's 2014 Barbaresco Riserva Currà is bright and beautifully focused, with beams of Currà tension that lift up the sweet red cherry fruit. Rose petal, kirsch, mint and citrus peel add to the wine's energy and overall sense of drive. The 2014 is a very pretty wine, but it might have been even better with a bit less time in cask. Medium in body and slightly nervous, the 2014 opens up nicely with time in the glass. I very much like the tension and energy here.

The Burklin Wolf Deidesheimer Hohenmorgen Riesling GC Trocken 2014 is the epitome of fine German wine, showcasing the excellence of Riesling from Pfalz. This product of the revered Burklin Wolf winery, a producer renowned for its adherence to biodynamic production principles, is cultivated in the illustrious Deidesheimer Hohenmorgen vineyard. The soils of Hohenmorgen bestow a unique mineral complexity to the wine, skilfully captured in the 2014 vintage.

This Riesling carries a dry or 'Trocken' classification, guaranteeing crisp citrus and floral notes with fascinating depth. The 2014 vintage boasts a wonderful ageing potential, allowing for the development of intriguing secondary flavours. From the rigour of 100% organic and biodynamically enhanced viticulture to attentively minimal intervention winemaking, the creation of Burklin Wolf Deidesheimer Hohenmorgen Riesling GC Trocken 2014 is truly nature's artwork.

Each sip promises the resounding harmony of sunshine-touched Riesling grapes, the distinctive Pfalz terroir and Burklin Wolf's longstanding expertise.

Vinous (95+)

While Monvigliero gets most of the attention at Burlotto, the Cannubi is often nearly as compelling, and in 2014, it is perhaps a touch more complete. Mesmerizingly vivid and beautiful, the 2014 is deep, powerful and beautifully layered on the palate, with fabulous balance and irresistible allure. In this tasting, I find the Cannubi fleshier and more generous than the Monvigliero. In the cool vintage, the exposure and soils of Cannubi were probably a bit more favorable than those of Monvigliero. Incidentally, a recent bottle of the 2013 more than lived up to the lofty praise I bestowed upon it a year ago.

Wine Advocate (95)

Fabio Alessandria of Comm. G.B. Burlotto tells me that he always believed in the controversial 2014 vintage. He never had any doubts regarding the inherent quality buried deep within this difficult vintage with its temperature extremes and humidity-based diseases. The 2014 Barolo Monvigliero ultimately proves to be a fragile and delicate wine with pure essence of wild rose and violet. Monvigliero is known as the perfumed vineyard, thanks to those beautiful floral nuances. While contemplating the bouquet, you feel like you are standing in the middle of a rose garden. The wine offers loose-knit structure with fine tannins that are polished, etched and very linear. Some 7,500 bottles were made in 2014, down from an average annual production of 8,000.

Exuding grace and sophistication, the Butte Bourgueil Mi Pente 2014 is an exquisite testament to traditional French winemaking. Allied with the finest Cabernet Franc grapes handpicked from the sun-kissed hills of Bourgueil in the Loire Valley, this wine is a marvel of nature and human ingenuity. Accurate craftsmanship by the astute vintner produces its signature medium-bodied elegance accompanied by intriguingly complex flavours.

Following the classic Bourgueil style, it is carefully aged for up to 24 months in wooden oak barrels to craft a remarkable bouquet providing a harmonious blend of rich dark fruits and an underlying subtly of earthy undertones. Finely balanced acidity and supple tannins add to its impressively long finish, promising prolonged pleasure.

Butte Bourgueil Mi Pente 2014 indeed captures the essence of the region and the unrivalled skills of its producer. A distinguished selection, it caters to the sophisticated palate of the discerning, experienced wine aficionado.

Decanter (96)

A village wine in the Priorat classification, taken from five parcels of very old vines at different elevations and slopes in Gratallops. Fermented in open-top 225L barrels and aged in French new oak. In a vertical of 2017, 2014 and 2012, the 2014 shone: very dark fruit, a powerful impression, then a delicious lift of orange zest, fresh herbs, eucalyptus. Wonderfully complex. Textured, with fine grain and a long, satisfying finish. Drinking Window 2021 - 2027

Jeb Dunnuck (96)

The 2014 Pinot Noir Mills Vineyard is about as classic example of Calera Pinot Noir as you can find. Loads of sweet black raspberries, sassafras, plums, Asian spice and ginger notes emerge from this ripe, full-bodied, sexy, concentrated 2014 that has plenty of mid-palate depth, nicely integrated acidity, fine tannin and a big finish. It’s a forward, pleasure-bent beauty that shares some similarities to the Selleck Vineyard, and will keep for two decades or more.

Vinous (95+)

The 2014 Pinot Noir Ryan Vineyard is a powerful, bombastic wine with huge fruit and equally imposing tannins that demand patience. Waves of dark, deeply sketched fruit hit the palate in a virile Pinot Noir that is going to need at least several years to truly come into its own. By no means a shy wine, the Ryan also has tremendous potential. In 2014, the Ryan was done with 70% whole clusters, which is a bit lower than normal.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96+)

The 2014 Calon Ségur is a real show-stopper. Unusually ripe, powerful and seductive, the wine exudes class. Myriad shades of plum, sweet red cherry, pomegranate, spice and blood orange are all on display. Wild flowers, tobacco and host of more aromatic notes develop in the glass. Above all else, though, the 2014 is a wine of pure power and breadth. This is yet another fabulous showing for the 2014 Calon Ségur, a wine that vies for top honors in this vintage. Don't miss it. The blend is 67 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 19 % Merlot, 15 % Cabernet Franc and 2 % Petit Verdot.

James Suckling (96)

Intense aromas of minerals, chalk, bright cherries and stones. Full-bodied, tight and silky; very linear. Like a straight shot. Give it three to four years to soften. Vibrant is the word.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95+)

One of the wines of the vintage, the 2014 Canon La Gaffelière is explosive, lifted and aristocratic in its breeding. Bright Cabernet Franc aromatics give the wine its signature lift and precision. Raspberry jam, rose petal, mint, blood orange, tobacco and pomegranate build slowly on the palate, leading to a super-expressive, finely knit finish. Powerful yet also impeccably refined, the 2014 has it all. The 2014 is 55 % Merlot, 37 % Cabernet Franc and 8 % Cabernet Sauvignon. Don't miss it. Tasted two times.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (95+)

One of the wines of the vintage, the 2014 Canon La Gaffelière is explosive, lifted and aristocratic in its breeding. Bright Cabernet Franc aromatics give the wine its signature lift and precision. Raspberry jam, rose petal, mint, blood orange, tobacco and pomegranate build slowly on the palate, leading to a super-expressive, finely knit finish. Powerful yet also impeccably refined, the 2014 has it all. The 2014 is 55 % Merlot, 37 % Cabernet Franc and 8 % Cabernet Sauvignon. Don't miss it. Tasted two times.

James Suckling (94)

I like the floral character, which highlights the aromas of currants and berries. Full body and a firm and tight center palate. Silky tannins and a savory and creamy-textured finish. A beautifully balanced red. Try in 2021, but it’s already gorgeous to taste.

Vinous - Neal Martin (92)

The 2014 Cantenac Brown has a well-defined bouquet with blackberry, cedar, crushed violet and cold stone aromas. I love the detail and focus here. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin, supple and almost velvety in texture, the acidity well judged with a rounded, lightly spiced finish that feels so tender, yet does not shortchange you on persistence. This is one of the best Cantenac-Brown wines that I have encountered in recent years. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)

The 2014 Capbern is bold, ripe and quite juicy. Although not especially subtle, the 2014 possesses striking aromatic nuance, power and intensity. Dried cherry, licorice, herbs, tobacco and mint add attractive aromatic topnotes, but it is the wine’s juiciness that stands out most. This is a strong showing. The 2014 offers plenty of near- and medium-term appeal, but also has enough structure to drink well for at least a number of years. Tasted two times.

Vinous ()

The 2014 Barolo Barolo Rupestris is a very pretty, fragrant wine. In this vintage, the Rupestris is a bit more ethereal than it usually is, and yet there is a lovely underpinning of structure that gives the wine its shape. Beautifully perfumed and gracious, the 2014 Rupestris opens with enticing scents of sweet tobacco, mint, dried herbs, orange peel, dried cherry, cedar and rose petal. The 2014 should drink well with minimal cellaring, but I expect it will also age gracefully while retaining its somewhat delicate feel.

Vinous ()

The 2014 Barolo Barolo Rupestris is a very pretty, fragrant wine. In this vintage, the Rupestris is a bit more ethereal than it usually is, and yet there is a lovely underpinning of structure that gives the wine its shape. Beautifully perfumed and gracious, the 2014 Rupestris opens with enticing scents of sweet tobacco, mint, dried herbs, orange peel, dried cherry, cedar and rose petal. The 2014 should drink well with minimal cellaring, but I expect it will also age gracefully while retaining its somewhat delicate feel.