Ian McFadden named this "a Wine of the Vintage and around half the price of its peers" while Antonio Galloni named it "a dazzling wine. The aromatics alone are haunting...nearly indescribable elegance...totally complete, harmonious...shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintage" (Wine Advocate).... I'm not sure I need to say too much more after those reviews from wine lovers far more experienced than myself. But I will anyway. This is pure, age-minded Sangiovese, with a good chunk of the aging already done for you. Showing considerable appealing fruit right up front considering its age, all the while maintaining rigid structures. There's plenty of the grape's signature dark cherry fruit, backed with lots of leather, smoke, brushy spice and tobacco, all fixed in place by a tannic spine and an acidic current throughout. Totally complete and harmonious.
The 2008s, especially those crafted in this structured style, are also built for long-term aging, so if you're looking to enjoy this in the next few years, a long decant - and perhaps a hearty dinner of bone-marrow-buttered steak or medium-rare venison medallions - is strongly advised. Otherwise, there's no reason this Costanti shouldn't see its 20th birthday out of a cool cellar nap. Again, the value that comes today along with this sort of longevity is very hard to beat, I don't care which category of wine or region you’re talking about.
I'm excited about the direction Brunello is moving in, and I believe that classic producers like Costanti are helping pave the way towards more sincere, character-driven, naturally beautiful wines that emphasize style with substance.
Fermented in stainless steel with 3 weeks skin maceration, then aged 18 months in tonneaux, followed by 18 months in 30hl Slavonian oak barrels and a further 12 in bottle. Brilliant ruby in colour, the intense aromas of red cherries, wild herbs, tobacco and flowers prelude a lush, full bodied palate with fine tannins and gorgeous length.
“The Brunello di Montalcino is a model of grace and elegance. This isn’t a huge, powerful wine like the 2006, but rather a Brunello that impresses for its total finesse. Sweet floral notes lead to hints of tobacco, wild herbs and spices on the refined finish. Layers of fruit flesh out beautifully in a radiant, expressive wine that captures the essence of the vintage. Costanti gave the Brunello 36 months in oak, 18 months in medium-sized barrels followed by 18 months in cask. This is a fabulous showing from Andrea Costanti. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027.” 95 points, Antonio Galloni.
