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.

When I tried Costanti’s 2020 Rosso in 2022, Andrea described the vintage as better suited for Brunello given the high dry extract and sturdy structure. Indeed, his 2020 Brunello is one of the vintage’s anomalies. It possesses rare profundity and decisiveness of tannins. The nose invites with plum blossom, dark currants, mint and an earthy undertow. Upfront tannins are substantial, grainy and crisp, and the sour cherry and cranberry core soars from the depths bringing bitter cocoa, coffee and alpine herbs along for the ride. Juicy acidity rings out and a distinct saltiness permeates the finish. Nevertheless, it is that unwavering backbone that currently commands, promising a long life ahead.

The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino clocks in at 14.4% alcohol, the highest alcohol level ever achieved at the winery. It's also the most concentrated wine Andrea Costanti has ever produced, boasting high levels of dry extract and polyphenols, all balanced by a significant 5.8 grams per liter of residual acidity. This is a vibrant and complex effort, bursting with aromas of crushed cherries, autumnal spices, cedar and dried blood oranges. It's juicy and concentrated on the palate, with layers of tart red berries and crunchy mineral tones. Bracing acidity adds a lively, spicy edge while it finishes long and resonant, with sweet-and-sour notes and lingering hints of licorice. This will undoubtedly benefit from further aging. - By Eric Guido, November 2023

From galestro-rich soils, the Conti Costanti 2020 Brunello di Montalcino offers a full bouquet of sweet fruit and spice. The wine is plump and rich in personality with sweet tannins and some phenolic heft due to the warm growing conditions. However, its velvety texture and full-bodied approach offer enough padding to smooth it over. Production is 34,000 bottles and larger formats.- ML

There's a burst of cherry and plum flavors in this effusive red, along with eucalyptus, wild herb and earth accents. Exuberant and all knees and elbows today, but all of the components are there for aging over the short to medium term. Best from 2028 through 2045. 2,917 cases made, 750 cases imported.