2016 Conti Costanti Brunello di Montalcino [WE99][D98][WS97][V96] WINE

Producer: Conti Costanti    
Region: Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy  
Varietal: Sangiovese  
Year: 2016 

Wine Enthusiast, 99 Points 

“This savory stunner has enticing scents of violet, rose and wild berry that gain complexity alongside notes of leather, camphor and sandalwood. The elegantly structured palate is all about precision, featuring juicy cherry, blood orange, star anise and tobacco framed in taut, refined tannins. Bright acidity keeps it energized. *Cellar Selection*” 

Decanter, 98 Points 

“With a history stretching back to the mid-16th century, Conti Costanti is one of the founding estates of the Brunello di Montalcino denomination, run by Andrea Costanti since 1983. He follows up his gorgeously seductive 2015 with a stunningly refined and gracious 2016. Savoury earthy notes are accompanied by nuanced dried florals, citrus peel and pure red berries. It reaches profound depths on the palate where compact, ripe and dusty tannins promise a long cellaring life. It’s so seamlessly put together that it’s almost a shame to try teasing it apart.” 

Wine Spectator, 97 Points 

“This red features a superb balance between ripe cherry, raspberry and currant fruit and savory elements of juniper and thyme. Earth and mineral accents add detail, and this has everything in the right proportions for a long life ahead.” 

Vinous, 96 Points 

“There’s a sensuality to Costanti’s 2016 Brunello di Montalcino. It’s something about the way it draws you in and warms the soul. Its bouquet straddles both the light and dark sides of Sangiovese, rising up with alluring flowery perfumes, cedar dust and crushed cherry, yet then swaying toward rich brown spices and clove. The textures are velvety-smooth and elegant, ushering in a dense core of fleshy red berry fruits, which leave a coating of crystalline minerals and fine tannins in their wake. Though structured and aching for a stay in the cellar, you can’t help but pour another glass of this simply spellbinding Brunello. While in need of three to five years in the cellar for optimal enjoyment, the 2016 is absolutely worth checking in on today.” 

Alcohol: 14% 

*Discounts do not apply to items like this one in the Fine & Rare category. Price and availability in store may vary.