Conti Costanti Brunello di Montalcino 2016 (750ML)

99 KO / 98 DE / 97 WS / 96 VM / 18.5 JR

Fragrant and loaded with finesse, this savory stunner has enticing scents of violet, rose and wild berry that gain complexity thanks to notes of new leather, camphor and sandalwood. The elegantly structured, focused palate is all about balance, precision and flavor, featuring juicy red cherry, blood orange, star anise and the beginnings of tobacco framed in taut, refined tannins. Bright acidity keeps it energized. Drink 2024–2046.--Kerin O'Keefe

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. Drinking Window 2024 – 2038 –Michaela Morris, Decanter

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. Best from 2024 through 2045. 6,000 cases made, 1,265 cases imported. --B.S., Wine Spectator

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.-- Eric Guido, Vinous Media

Lustrous mid ruby. Complex brooding richness on the nose. Fantastic balance between the intense fruit and succulent acidity. Super-fine tannins layering the fruit. Very long, focused, intense and energetic on the finish. Monumental.--Walter Speller, Jancis Robinson