2015 Costanti Brunello di Montalcino

The Conti Costanti 2015 Brunello di Montalcino is vinous and ripe with lots of energy that comes from plummy black fruit and dried blackberry. The wine is front-loaded with those varietal tones, but the mouthfeel reveals a more delicate and softer approach than you might expect given the potency of that first nose. The wine achieves harmony, and offers a nice, long finish. The label states that fruit comes from the Colle al Matrichese, but I am not sure if that is an official estate vineyard designation. Either way, this is a serious cellar-worthy Brunello to sip and consider with a platter of fine cheeses. ML

A fruity style, featuring black cherry and black currant flavors, supported by notes of iron, leather and tobacco. Taut and vibrant, with a lingering finish. Best from 2023 through 2042. BS

Deep red. Perfumed, saline aromas of red cherry, raspberry nectar, herbs, violet, red roses and minerals on the captivating nose; this really opens and improves with aeration, so make sure you open the bottle at least an hour or so ahead. Clean fresh, and saline, with a metallic edge and a brooding quality to the vibrant, juicy red cherry and raspberry flavors that are long and deep. Sneaky concentration and real power here, but a little inscrutable currently; this lovely wine needs to be cellared for a good five to six years to be enjoyed at its fullest. I have no doubt it will prove a memorable wine in due course, hence the plus sign on my score. Ian D'Agata

After sitting out the 2014 vintage, Andrea Costanti calls 2015 a beautiful year and one of the best in the history of Brunello. He deemed it exceptional enough to craft a Riserva (to be released in 2021) yet his classic Brunello hasn't suffered for it. In fact, it's one of the greatest successes of the vintage. Gorgeous, seductive aromas are already expressive but still youthful. Cherry and plum are enveloped by exotic spice and a faint smokiness. The palate is plush and velvety with layers of powdery tannins that build, and tangy acid that cleanses the palate. Hedonistic but brilliantly balanced, it is hard to resist now but the best is definitely yet to come Drinking Window 2022 - 2037
Tasted by Michaela Morris (at Chiostro Museo di Montalcino, 24 Feb 2020)
Part of Brunello di Montalcino: The 10 must-know estates