Brunello di Montalcino
Wine from Montalcino was only appreciated and understood by locals as recently as the 70's, even though its warm dry climate has much in common with its famous Tuscan cousin, Chianti. However pioneering work from Clemente Santi with various clones of Sangiovese led to what was labelled Brunello di Montalcino. Changes in strict laws have allowed this region to react better to modern trends, reducing mandatory oak ageing from 4 to 2 years. As with Chianti small amount of foreign grapes can now be including within blends.
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Brunello di Montalcino
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Vinous (96)
The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento is coy at first, brooding, with dark dusty florals, exotic spices and a hint of brown sugar; yet time in the glass allows it to blossom and show its inner beauty, as wave after wave of crushed strawberry, cherry and sweet violets lifts from the glass. On the palate, soft textures envelop the senses in sweet and savory red berry fruits, so silky and refined, as it seems to hover weightlessly, while saline minerals and youthful tannins begin to saturate all that they touch. The finish is long and structured, closing in upon itself, tugging at the cheek and reminding me that this wine is just a baby today. Simply stunning, yet in need of five to ten years of cellaring to show its best. Wow.Inc. VAT£655.18 -
Vinous (95)
The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Poggio al Vento Riserva wafts up with gorgeous dusty rose, violet tones, worn leather and dried black cherries. It balances the sun-kissed nature of the vintage with zesty acidity and a fine tannic grip, as ripe red berry fruits saturate the palate. The finish is incredibly long and potent yet harmonious, with an inflection of sage and cedary spice. The 2015 is already showing beautifully in line with the vintage, with potential for another decade or more.Inc. VAT£656.00 -
James Suckling (98)
Super classic Brunello from a classic vintage, being released now. The perfume to this is really something, with cherries, flowers, lead pencil and light hints of graphite. Then it moves to raspberries and black cherries with some sandalwood shavings. You just want to smell it. Clear and transparent. Full-bodied with very fine and succinct tannins that fill the mouth and show super tension and form. Extremely long and structured. Beautiful now, but this will age for decades ahead. Drink or hold.Inc. VAT£251.87 -
James Suckling (98)
Super classic Brunello from a classic vintage, being released now. The perfume to this is really something, with cherries, flowers, lead pencil and light hints of graphite. Then it moves to raspberries and black cherries with some sandalwood shavings. You just want to smell it. Clear and transparent. Full-bodied with very fine and succinct tannins that fill the mouth and show super tension and form. Extremely long and structured. Beautiful now, but this will age for decades ahead. Drink or hold.Inc. VAT£585.20 -
Vinous (94)
The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino opens with a remarkably pretty bouquet of rosy florals, ripe strawberry, and subtle spice, as the 2015 Col di Lamo evolves into a more savory display, with hints of rosemary and black olive. On the palate, silky textures give way to a savory blend of crushed cherry and raspberry, with hints of spicy citrus, rosy florals, and mineral tones developing over a coating of fine tannins. The finish is long, resonating on floral-laced red fruits and savory spice with a tug of youthful tannin on the cheek. This is a wonderfully pure, balanced, and enjoyable expression of the vintage.Inc. VAT£1,378.30 -
Vinous (90)
The 2016 Col di Lamo Brunello di Montalcino makes itself known with an extroverted yet highly seductive display, mixing medicinal cherry, pine shavings, sage, mocha, cinnamon and cloves. It’s soft in feel with a pure showing of red berries and minerals, as grippy tannins mount toward the close. This finishes structured and dry with just a hint of licorice and red currant.Inc. VAT£1,378.30 -
(6x75cl) 2012Wine Enthusiast (98)
Immensely inviting, this opens with fragrant pipe tobacco, crushed berry, new leather and pressed violet aromas. On the palate, firm, refined tannins underpin juicy black cherry, raspberry and cinnamon flavors, while orange zest accents and an energizing mineral note lift the finish. It's beautifully balanced with bright acidity and will reward a bit of cellaring.Inc. VAT£686.44 -
Wine Enthusiast (97)
Delicately scented, this offers underbrush, pressed violet and wild berry aromas. It's medium-bodied and loaded with elegance, delivering crushed raspberry, Morello cherry, licorice and a hint of pipe tobacco set against taut, refined tannins. Bright acidity provides balance. It's a bit austere at this stage but will develop beautifully.Inc. VAT£443.15 -
Wine Enthusiast (98)
Fragrant and all about finesse, this gorgeous wine opens with enticing aromas of blue flower, forest floor, wild berry and a whiff of eucalyptus. It's linear and elegant, delivering succulent red cherry, pomegranate, star anise and tobacco alongside polished tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it impeccably balanced.Inc. VAT£407.15 -
Wine Enthusiast (99)
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.Inc. VAT£409.55 -
Wine Enthusiast (97)
Extremely elegant and focused, this compelling wine defies the heat of the vintage, starting with a heady fragrance of ripe dark-skinned berries, violet, camphor, dark spice and whiffs of crushed herbs. On the linear, elegantly structured palate, tightly woven but extremely polished tannins accompany juicy Marasca cherry, blood orange, licorice and white pepper while fresh acidity keeps it balanced and fresh. Drink 2025–2032Inc. VAT£431.15 -
Kerin O'Keefe (99)
Perfumed berry, pine forest, new leather and violet aromas mingle with enticing scents of vineyard dust that segue into underbrush and nutmeg. Linear, lithe and all about elegance, the savory palate has great energy that lifts juicy red cherry, spiced cranberry, star anise and tangy saline notes that linger on the close. Tight but refined tannins and vibrant acidity keep it youthfully tense and impeccably balanced. Those who love power and might could be surprised by its almost ethereal quality, but lovers of finesse, depth and balance will swoon in delight.Inc. VAT£330.35 -
(3x150cl) 2019Decanter (100)
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.Inc. VAT£584.75 -
Decanter (100)
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.Inc. VAT£470.75 -
Kerin O'Keefe (98)
The 2020 Brunello from Costanti is an absolute stunner. All about fragrance, flavor and finesse, the elegant palate opens with captivating aromas of iris, violet, perfumed berry, dark spice, whiffs of forest floor and eucalyptus that on the palate transform into wild cherry, raspberry compote, licorice, grilled rosemary and truffle. Tightly knit, velvety tannins provide seamless support while fresh acidity provides impeccable balance. A salty note lingers on the persistent finish.Inc. VAT£115.61 -
Kerin O'Keefe (98)
The 2020 Brunello from Costanti is an absolute stunner. All about fragrance, flavor and finesse, the elegant palate opens with captivating aromas of iris, violet, perfumed berry, dark spice, whiffs of forest floor and eucalyptus that on the palate transform into wild cherry, raspberry compote, licorice, grilled rosemary and truffle. Tightly knit, velvety tannins provide seamless support while fresh acidity provides impeccable balance. A salty note lingers on the persistent finish.Inc. VAT£271.55 -
Vinous (98)
Vivid deep red. Musky, deep, mineral-tinged aromas of red cherry, violet and crystallized orange peel. Sweet, lush and packed with red fruit, blood orange nectar and savory underbrush flavors; a step up in sheer size from Costanti’s 2013 Brunello. At once powerful and refined, this seriously saturates the palate with flavor, vibrant minerality and noble tannins. This is everything a great Brunello ought to be.Inc. VAT£717.95 -
Wine Enthusiast (98)
Aromas of ripe dark-skinned fruit, forest floor, rose and wild mint shape the enticing nose. Elegantly structured and full of flavor, the linear, focused palate delivers mature Marasca cherry, blood orange, licorice and tobacco set against a backbone of refined tannins. Drink 2023 though 2035.Inc. VAT£334.38 -
Wine Enthusiast (98)
Aromas of ripe dark-skinned fruit, forest floor, rose and wild mint shape the enticing nose. Elegantly structured and full of flavor, the linear, focused palate delivers mature Marasca cherry, blood orange, licorice and tobacco set against a backbone of refined tannins. Drink 2023 though 2035.Inc. VAT£666.35 -
Wine Enthusiast (100)
This perfumed wine opens with layers of scents, including violet, woodland berries, new leather, forest floor and warm spices. Smooth and elegantly structured, the savory palate boasts juicy black-skinned berry, blood orange, licorice, tobacco and the barest hint of coffee bean alongside taut, fine-grained tannins. Bright acidity keeps it impeccably balanced. Drink 2026–2046.Inc. VAT£357.18 -
Kerin O'Keefe (100)
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.Inc. VAT£281.58 -
Vinous (92)
The 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is very pretty, showing musky, bright cherry, dried roses and savory spice. There’s remarkable purity here, with soft textures giving way to tart wild berry fruit complemented by zesty acids. It’s dry and lightly structured throughout the finale with lasting inner florals and a twang of sour citrus. This is far from your typical Rosso. The Costanti Rosso is a barrel selection that matures for one year in a combination of 60% tonneaux and 40% new 35-40 hectoliter barrels.Inc. VAT£232.40 -
Vinous (94)
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino Vermiglio is a bombshell beauty, with a bright bouquet of dried strawberries, crushed rose petals, shaved cedar, cinnamon spice and sweet smoke. It’s deeply textural, almost fleshy in feel, yet kept in line by vibrant acidity, as masses of black cherry and raspberry fruit envelope the palate. This totally harmonious Rosso finishes with a classic tug of fine tannins, along with nuances of sour citrus, inner earth and lavender tones. It embodies, without a doubt, the term “Baby Brunello.” The Vermiglio hasn’t been produced since 2013, it’s a barrel selection of Rosso that Costanti matures for two years, instead of one, in cask. Only 4,000 bottles were produced.Inc. VAT£373.55 -
James Suckling (97)
This has an unwonted, intensely floral note of eucalyptus and tee tree oil, which makes it immediately recognizable against other 2015 Brunellos. Besides that, there are ripe rose stems and dried lavender. It has a racy core of boisterous berries that dive inwards and outwards of firm, structured tannins. The juxtaposition of steely resolve and intense florals are quite remarkable. Very classy. Drink from 2025.Inc. VAT£353.98 -
Inc. VAT£430.78 -
Wine Advocate (95)
Softer for sure compared to the 2016 wines, and more abundant in personality, the Cortonesi 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva La Mannella is very expressive of the sunny, warm and luminous growing season. Rich fruit flavors of dark plum, black cherry and cassis are interwoven with spice, sweet tobacco and balsam herb. This wine is fermented in steel for 25 days and is then racked into oak for a long 48-months élevage. This wine is only made in the best years, and it draws its fruit from the estate's oldest vines, which are 37 years old. A mere 3,658 bottles were made. The tannins are a bit bitter and youthful, so give this wine more cellar time.Inc. VAT£534.80 -
Wine Advocate (94)
The Cortonesi 2016 Brunello di Montalcino La Mannella shows dark fruit with dried cherry, blackcurrant and plum. On a second wave of aromas, you encounter softer spice with toasted almond, tilled earth and grilled herb. This is a classic expression of the crisp but sunny 2016 vintage with an open and food-friendly personality. There is a playful touch of sweet cherry on the close. Fruit is sourced from the La Mannella zone, one of the coolest growing areas in the appellation at moderate 350 meters above sea level. Winemaking is traditional, using 30-hectoliter Slavonian oak for three years of slow aging, and this reinforces all those fun berry notes on display in the 25,000-bottle release.Inc. VAT£323.98 -
Wine Advocate (96+)
The Cortonesi 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Poggiarelli draws its fruit from a vineyard planted in the 1970s and replanted in part during the 1990s. Its fruit has made this designate wine since 1998, and like many of the Selezioni (and the Brunello cru expressions), this wine shows a pretty mineral character that lifts above the bright red fruit. It's absolutely true that these special sections from Montalcino are always recognized by their terrain or soil-adjacent aromas. In this case, I can smell those flinty or gravel-like tones from the schistous Galestro rocks. That special aromatic signature is followed by dark fruit and balsam herb, firm tannins and bright acidity. This is a limited 4,000-bottle release.Inc. VAT£368.38 -
(6x75cl) 2013Vinous (92)
Opaque red-ruby. Perfumed nose of violet, black cherry, blackberry and flint. Bright, fresh and juicy, featuring dark berry, sweet spice and flinty flavors and an almost Cabernet Franc-like perfume and backbone. An outstanding, very refined wine that is no less than what I expect from the ultra-talented Cousin and Tondini duo who own Cupano, but I found this to be a little darker in its fruit aroma and flavor profile than I like.Inc. VAT£690.80 -
(1x150cl) 2016Vinous (94)
Crushed black cherries, a dusting of sweet spice, cedar, mocha and cloves blend to create the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino’s fruit-forward and seductive bouquet. Its textures are like pure silk, cast across a medium-bodied frame and ushering in a youthfully dense display of red and black berries. Symmetry is maintained with fine-grained tannins offset by juicy acids, as inner purple florals and a hint of dried citrus lingers. While showing a bit of its oak influence, nothing is out of place in this young and beautifully balanced Brunello from Cupano.Inc. VAT£385.72
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Vinous (96)
The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento is coy at first, brooding, with dark dusty florals, exotic spices and a hint of brown sugar; yet time in the glass allows it to blossom and show its inner beauty, as wave after wave of crushed strawberry, cherry and sweet violets lifts from the glass. On the palate, soft textures envelop the senses in sweet and savory red berry fruits, so silky and refined, as it seems to hover weightlessly, while saline minerals and youthful tannins begin to saturate all that they touch. The finish is long and structured, closing in upon itself, tugging at the cheek and reminding me that this wine is just a baby today. Simply stunning, yet in need of five to ten years of cellaring to show its best. Wow.In Bond£526.00 -
Vinous (95)
The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Poggio al Vento Riserva wafts up with gorgeous dusty rose, violet tones, worn leather and dried black cherries. It balances the sun-kissed nature of the vintage with zesty acidity and a fine tannic grip, as ripe red berry fruits saturate the palate. The finish is incredibly long and potent yet harmonious, with an inflection of sage and cedary spice. The 2015 is already showing beautifully in line with the vintage, with potential for another decade or more.In Bond£526.00 -
James Suckling (98)
Super classic Brunello from a classic vintage, being released now. The perfume to this is really something, with cherries, flowers, lead pencil and light hints of graphite. Then it moves to raspberries and black cherries with some sandalwood shavings. You just want to smell it. Clear and transparent. Full-bodied with very fine and succinct tannins that fill the mouth and show super tension and form. Extremely long and structured. Beautiful now, but this will age for decades ahead. Drink or hold.In Bond£203.00 -
James Suckling (98)
Super classic Brunello from a classic vintage, being released now. The perfume to this is really something, with cherries, flowers, lead pencil and light hints of graphite. Then it moves to raspberries and black cherries with some sandalwood shavings. You just want to smell it. Clear and transparent. Full-bodied with very fine and succinct tannins that fill the mouth and show super tension and form. Extremely long and structured. Beautiful now, but this will age for decades ahead. Drink or hold.In Bond£467.00 -
Vinous (94)
The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino opens with a remarkably pretty bouquet of rosy florals, ripe strawberry, and subtle spice, as the 2015 Col di Lamo evolves into a more savory display, with hints of rosemary and black olive. On the palate, silky textures give way to a savory blend of crushed cherry and raspberry, with hints of spicy citrus, rosy florals, and mineral tones developing over a coating of fine tannins. The finish is long, resonating on floral-laced red fruits and savory spice with a tug of youthful tannin on the cheek. This is a wonderfully pure, balanced, and enjoyable expression of the vintage.In Bond£1,110.00 -
Vinous (90)
The 2016 Col di Lamo Brunello di Montalcino makes itself known with an extroverted yet highly seductive display, mixing medicinal cherry, pine shavings, sage, mocha, cinnamon and cloves. It’s soft in feel with a pure showing of red berries and minerals, as grippy tannins mount toward the close. This finishes structured and dry with just a hint of licorice and red currant.In Bond£1,110.00 -
(6x75cl) 2012
Wine Enthusiast (98)
Immensely inviting, this opens with fragrant pipe tobacco, crushed berry, new leather and pressed violet aromas. On the palate, firm, refined tannins underpin juicy black cherry, raspberry and cinnamon flavors, while orange zest accents and an energizing mineral note lift the finish. It's beautifully balanced with bright acidity and will reward a bit of cellaring.In Bond£556.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (97)
Delicately scented, this offers underbrush, pressed violet and wild berry aromas. It's medium-bodied and loaded with elegance, delivering crushed raspberry, Morello cherry, licorice and a hint of pipe tobacco set against taut, refined tannins. Bright acidity provides balance. It's a bit austere at this stage but will develop beautifully.In Bond£350.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (98)
Fragrant and all about finesse, this gorgeous wine opens with enticing aromas of blue flower, forest floor, wild berry and a whiff of eucalyptus. It's linear and elegant, delivering succulent red cherry, pomegranate, star anise and tobacco alongside polished tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it impeccably balanced.In Bond£320.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (99)
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.In Bond£322.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (97)
Extremely elegant and focused, this compelling wine defies the heat of the vintage, starting with a heady fragrance of ripe dark-skinned berries, violet, camphor, dark spice and whiffs of crushed herbs. On the linear, elegantly structured palate, tightly woven but extremely polished tannins accompany juicy Marasca cherry, blood orange, licorice and white pepper while fresh acidity keeps it balanced and fresh. Drink 2025–2032In Bond£340.00 -
Kerin O'Keefe (99)
Perfumed berry, pine forest, new leather and violet aromas mingle with enticing scents of vineyard dust that segue into underbrush and nutmeg. Linear, lithe and all about elegance, the savory palate has great energy that lifts juicy red cherry, spiced cranberry, star anise and tangy saline notes that linger on the close. Tight but refined tannins and vibrant acidity keep it youthfully tense and impeccably balanced. Those who love power and might could be surprised by its almost ethereal quality, but lovers of finesse, depth and balance will swoon in delight.In Bond£256.00 -
(3x150cl) 2019
Decanter (100)
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.In Bond£468.00 -
Decanter (100)
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.In Bond£373.00 -
Kerin O'Keefe (98)
The 2020 Brunello from Costanti is an absolute stunner. All about fragrance, flavor and finesse, the elegant palate opens with captivating aromas of iris, violet, perfumed berry, dark spice, whiffs of forest floor and eucalyptus that on the palate transform into wild cherry, raspberry compote, licorice, grilled rosemary and truffle. Tightly knit, velvety tannins provide seamless support while fresh acidity provides impeccable balance. A salty note lingers on the persistent finish.In Bond£91.00 -
Kerin O'Keefe (98)
The 2020 Brunello from Costanti is an absolute stunner. All about fragrance, flavor and finesse, the elegant palate opens with captivating aromas of iris, violet, perfumed berry, dark spice, whiffs of forest floor and eucalyptus that on the palate transform into wild cherry, raspberry compote, licorice, grilled rosemary and truffle. Tightly knit, velvety tannins provide seamless support while fresh acidity provides impeccable balance. A salty note lingers on the persistent finish.In Bond£207.00 -
Vinous (98)
Vivid deep red. Musky, deep, mineral-tinged aromas of red cherry, violet and crystallized orange peel. Sweet, lush and packed with red fruit, blood orange nectar and savory underbrush flavors; a step up in sheer size from Costanti’s 2013 Brunello. At once powerful and refined, this seriously saturates the palate with flavor, vibrant minerality and noble tannins. This is everything a great Brunello ought to be.In Bond£579.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (98)
Aromas of ripe dark-skinned fruit, forest floor, rose and wild mint shape the enticing nose. Elegantly structured and full of flavor, the linear, focused palate delivers mature Marasca cherry, blood orange, licorice and tobacco set against a backbone of refined tannins. Drink 2023 though 2035.In Bond£269.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (98)
Aromas of ripe dark-skinned fruit, forest floor, rose and wild mint shape the enticing nose. Elegantly structured and full of flavor, the linear, focused palate delivers mature Marasca cherry, blood orange, licorice and tobacco set against a backbone of refined tannins. Drink 2023 though 2035.In Bond£536.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (100)
This perfumed wine opens with layers of scents, including violet, woodland berries, new leather, forest floor and warm spices. Smooth and elegantly structured, the savory palate boasts juicy black-skinned berry, blood orange, licorice, tobacco and the barest hint of coffee bean alongside taut, fine-grained tannins. Bright acidity keeps it impeccably balanced. Drink 2026–2046.In Bond£288.00 -
Kerin O'Keefe (100)
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.In Bond£225.00 -
Vinous (92)
The 2018 Rosso di Montalcino is very pretty, showing musky, bright cherry, dried roses and savory spice. There’s remarkable purity here, with soft textures giving way to tart wild berry fruit complemented by zesty acids. It’s dry and lightly structured throughout the finale with lasting inner florals and a twang of sour citrus. This is far from your typical Rosso. The Costanti Rosso is a barrel selection that matures for one year in a combination of 60% tonneaux and 40% new 35-40 hectoliter barrels.In Bond£173.00 -
Vinous (94)
The 2019 Rosso di Montalcino Vermiglio is a bombshell beauty, with a bright bouquet of dried strawberries, crushed rose petals, shaved cedar, cinnamon spice and sweet smoke. It’s deeply textural, almost fleshy in feel, yet kept in line by vibrant acidity, as masses of black cherry and raspberry fruit envelope the palate. This totally harmonious Rosso finishes with a classic tug of fine tannins, along with nuances of sour citrus, inner earth and lavender tones. It embodies, without a doubt, the term “Baby Brunello.” The Vermiglio hasn’t been produced since 2013, it’s a barrel selection of Rosso that Costanti matures for two years, instead of one, in cask. Only 4,000 bottles were produced.In Bond£292.00 -
James Suckling (97)
This has an unwonted, intensely floral note of eucalyptus and tee tree oil, which makes it immediately recognizable against other 2015 Brunellos. Besides that, there are ripe rose stems and dried lavender. It has a racy core of boisterous berries that dive inwards and outwards of firm, structured tannins. The juxtaposition of steely resolve and intense florals are quite remarkable. Very classy. Drink from 2025.In Bond£275.00 -
In Bond£339.00
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Wine Advocate (95)
Softer for sure compared to the 2016 wines, and more abundant in personality, the Cortonesi 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva La Mannella is very expressive of the sunny, warm and luminous growing season. Rich fruit flavors of dark plum, black cherry and cassis are interwoven with spice, sweet tobacco and balsam herb. This wine is fermented in steel for 25 days and is then racked into oak for a long 48-months élevage. This wine is only made in the best years, and it draws its fruit from the estate's oldest vines, which are 37 years old. A mere 3,658 bottles were made. The tannins are a bit bitter and youthful, so give this wine more cellar time.In Bond£425.00 -
Wine Advocate (94)
The Cortonesi 2016 Brunello di Montalcino La Mannella shows dark fruit with dried cherry, blackcurrant and plum. On a second wave of aromas, you encounter softer spice with toasted almond, tilled earth and grilled herb. This is a classic expression of the crisp but sunny 2016 vintage with an open and food-friendly personality. There is a playful touch of sweet cherry on the close. Fruit is sourced from the La Mannella zone, one of the coolest growing areas in the appellation at moderate 350 meters above sea level. Winemaking is traditional, using 30-hectoliter Slavonian oak for three years of slow aging, and this reinforces all those fun berry notes on display in the 25,000-bottle release.In Bond£250.00 -
Wine Advocate (96+)
The Cortonesi 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Poggiarelli draws its fruit from a vineyard planted in the 1970s and replanted in part during the 1990s. Its fruit has made this designate wine since 1998, and like many of the Selezioni (and the Brunello cru expressions), this wine shows a pretty mineral character that lifts above the bright red fruit. It's absolutely true that these special sections from Montalcino are always recognized by their terrain or soil-adjacent aromas. In this case, I can smell those flinty or gravel-like tones from the schistous Galestro rocks. That special aromatic signature is followed by dark fruit and balsam herb, firm tannins and bright acidity. This is a limited 4,000-bottle release.In Bond£287.00 -
(6x75cl) 2013
Vinous (92)
Opaque red-ruby. Perfumed nose of violet, black cherry, blackberry and flint. Bright, fresh and juicy, featuring dark berry, sweet spice and flinty flavors and an almost Cabernet Franc-like perfume and backbone. An outstanding, very refined wine that is no less than what I expect from the ultra-talented Cousin and Tondini duo who own Cupano, but I found this to be a little darker in its fruit aroma and flavor profile than I like.In Bond£555.00 -
(1x150cl) 2016
Vinous (94)
Crushed black cherries, a dusting of sweet spice, cedar, mocha and cloves blend to create the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino’s fruit-forward and seductive bouquet. Its textures are like pure silk, cast across a medium-bodied frame and ushering in a youthfully dense display of red and black berries. Symmetry is maintained with fine-grained tannins offset by juicy acids, as inner purple florals and a hint of dried citrus lingers. While showing a bit of its oak influence, nothing is out of place in this young and beautifully balanced Brunello from Cupano.In Bond£315.00
Wine from Montalcino was only appreciated and understood by locals as recently as the 70's, even though its warm dry climate has much in common with its famous Tuscan cousin, Chianti. However pioneering work from Clemente Santi with various clones of Sangiovese led to what was labelled Brunello di Montalcino. Changes in strict laws have allowed this region to react better to modern trends, reducing mandatory oak ageing from 4 to 2 years. As with Chianti small amount of foreign grapes can now be included within blends.
