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.

One of Montalcino’s most historic, the Costanti estate has been in the hands of Andrea Costanti since 1983. Year after year he makes decisive, ageworthy Brunello from his north- to northwest-facing vineyards just east of town. The 2021 is no exception and will require time in the cellar before disclosing its deeply embedded intricacies. Discreet whiffs of beeswax and flint eventually cede to violet and dark-toned fruit. The palate is equally restrained and tight yet precisely sculpted. A core of wild forest berry is well corseted, all elevated by a salivating crunchiness.

The Conti Costanti 2021 Brunello di Montalcino shows fine complexity, opening with dark fruit, blue flower and an attractive note of sweet mint. Chalky tannins are well integrated and work in tandem with tangy acidity to give the wine energy and poise. The palate is streamlined and silky, favoring balance over excess weight. The wine matures for 12 months in medium-toast Allier tonneaux, followed by 24 months in Slavonian oak cask. The warm, luminous conditions of the 2021 vintage are expressed here with clarity and restraint, emphasizing aromatic precision and freshness. Nice job. Production totals approximately 30,000 bottles, plus larger formats. - Monica Larner

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. Eric Guido, November 2025

Black cherry, blackberry and plum flavors abound in this medium-bodied red. Mediterranean scrub and menthol notes add savory depth as this tightens up on the dusty finish. Overall, this is vibrant and exudes finesse but will need time to show all of its facets. Best from 2029 through 2048. 3,000 cases made, 750 cases imported.