Deep ruby-red. Fragrant aromas of red cherry, redcurrant, herbs and minerals. Then juicy and easygoing, with a midweight palate presence and clean red/blue fruit flavors persisting nicely on the cool, crisp finish. Not a blockbuster (in keeping with the difficult year) but very pure. This Brunello boasts early appeal and is best drunk up quickly; but it's a very fine showing for 2014.

The Tenuta la Fuga 2014 Brunello di Montalcino offers ruby cherry fruit with a distant lactic point of white chocolate or cheese rind. This is a mid-weight effort with a steady and consistent delivery of Sangiovese-driven aromas that are mild and bright. Lighter notes of spice, leather and gilled herb fill in the rear. Some 7,500 bottles were produced.

The slightly chewy texture envelops plum, cherry, fruitcake and licorice flavors, picking up dense tannins as this wine develops. Well-proportioned and leafy accents of eucalyptus and tobacco chime in on the finish. Best from 2022 through 2038. 850 cases made, 250 cases imported.