Brunello di Montalcino, Conti Costanti 2021

The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino is darkly inward in its youthful state, brooding and tense with tobacco, minty herbs, cedary spice, plum and nuances of black cherry. Soft textures wash across the energetic palate as mineral-inflected red berry fruits saturate. Structured and incredibly long, the 2021 leaves the cheeks puckering amidst fine-grained tannins and a contrasting accent of sour citrus.

The compelling Conti Costanti 2021 Brunello captivates with pronounced aromas of fragrant purple flower, eucalyptus, Mediterranean brush and perfumed berry. All about class and extreme finesse, the elegant palate delivers succulent wild raspberry, crushed Marasca cherry, spiced orange zest and star anise set against a backbone of fine-grained tannins. Fresh acidity lends balance and great intensity. Year after year Andrea Costanti turns out what are among the very best wines from Montalcino, and the 2021 is no exception, it’s an absolute stunner with great aging potential. Drink 2031–2046. Abv: 14%

Beautiful, lustrous ruby. Noble restraint on the nose and takes its time to open up. Brooding complexity and minerality and only with lots of aeration it reveals layer after layer without showing it all. Taut and embryonic on the palate with a deep layer of finely chiselled, gravelly tannins and supple acidity. Elegant and with fantastic balance but the whole needs time to come together. Patience will pay off.