Costanti Brunello di Montalcino 2019

I remember tasting Costanti’s 2019 Rosso di Montalcino in 2021 and thinking how Brunello-esque it was: the sturdy structure was almost uncharacteristic, yet it certainly boded well for the Brunello. Simply gloriously sculpted, the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is indeed statuesque and stately. While it doesn’t give everything up all at once, it is gracious in its presentation. From chestnut forest and sweet earth, to anise and orange extract, the aromas are visceral, and boundless depths of wild red berries suffuse the palate. It vibrates with scintillating acidity and long, tactile tannins which stretch out leisurely. I bet that Rosso has hit its stride now – if you have some, it’s what you’ll want to drink while waiting for this captivatingly beautiful Brunello. I can’t help but imagine what next year’s Riserva release has in store. Drinking window: 2027-2043. Score – 100. (Michaela Morris, decanter.com, Feb. 21, 2024)