Tasting Notes
Vinous 95
Costanti’s 2004 Brunello di Montalcino remains fresh, vibrant and finely-cut, with veins of tannin and salinity that give the wine its energy. Stylistically, the 2004 is less opulent than the Riserva, but it has a little more tension and drive. Rose petal, mint, orange peel and sweet red berries flow through to the intense finish. The 2004 is just entering the early part of what is likely to be a very long drinking window. After an extended wait, the 2004 finally shows the pedigree that was so evident in tank.
Anticipated maturity: 2015-2024
Robert Parker 90
High-toned aromatics lead to a firm, taut expression of fruit in Costanti’s 2004 Brunello di Montalcino. Wild herbs, red cherries, tobacco and flowers are just some of the nuances that emerge from this chiseled, traditionally-made Brunello. The wine possesses gorgeous length and finessed tannins that provide lovely balance. Today the wine is clenched and unexpressive, but it should come together in bottle. That said, numerous bottles of this Brunello have failed to deliver the magic I found when I tasted the wine from tank prior to bottling. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. My recent visit with Andrea Costanti was illuminating, as I had the opportunity to taste a number of lots of his Brunellos from cask and tank. At their best, these are some of the most elegant, refined wines being made in Montalcino. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900
Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024
