2019 Conti Costanti Brunello Riserva

2019 was a fantastic vintage in Montalcino and in particular for storied producer Conti Costanti. Andrea Costanti’s compelling 2019 Brunello Riserva is exquisite, starting with its heady scents of violet, rose, exotic dark spice, camphor and forest floor. Brimming with class and extreme elegance, the delicious palate mesmerizes with great depth and layers of flavor including Morello cherry, raspberry compote, orange zest, licorice, cake spice and crushed mint framed in tightly woven, refined tannins. Bright acidity provides impeccable balance and intensity. This is already tempting but the best is yet to come. The Costanti Riservas are only made in extraordinary years, and like the 2016 Riserva, the 2019 is made from the oldest estate vines. After fermenting and aging all the vineyards separately, the final cut was made in the cellar after three years of refinement in barrel. It’s absolutely breathtaking. Drink 2029–2049. 100 points

We have not seen this estate produce a Riserva in a few years. The Conti Costanti 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva offers an open-knit fruit profile with budding tertiary aromas that add complexity. You get dried cherry and baked plum. The wine is drinking nicely right now thanks to its tapered, medium-plus mouthfeel. There is a hint of sour cherry along with savory spice from careful oak aging. Production is 9,000 bottles. Drink 2026 - 2040. 95 points

The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva displays all of the characteristics of the vintage that make this year truly special. Darkly floral and captivating, it exudes class with a radiant blend of dried black cherries, sage, lavender, hints of pine and a cooling whiff of white smoke. This balances depths of ripe red berry fruit with sweet spices and violet inner florals, all accelerated by brilliant acidity. Tactile mineral tones add a crunchy sensation, while a balsamic tinge and cranberry hints offer a pleasantly tart resonance, finishing long, structured and completely classic. 97 points