2008 Brunello di Montalcino
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Tasting notes
Dark red cherries, plums, graphite, savory herbs, minerals, spices, wild flowers and leather are all very much alive in Costanti's 2008 Brunello di Montalcino. The flavors are a bit cooler and more restrained than in the 2009, while the overall textural feel is slightly compact at this stage, so I would give the 2008 a little more time in bottle. I am very pleased with how well the 2008 has developed over the last year. There is a level of tension and pure energy in the 2008 that is incredibly appealing.
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Andrea Costanti is one of the most consistent growers in Montalcino, and it shows in the 2008 Brunello di Montalcino, a wine that impresses for its elegance, finesse and harmony. Sweet dark cherries, tobacco, licorice and savory herbs all flesh out in the glass. Surprisingly pliant and generous for the year, the 2008 is a model of class and pure pedigree. Approachable today, the 2008 should have no problem aging gracefully to age 20 and likely beyond. It is without question one of the few great wines of the year. Spiced notes flesh out on the generous, seductive finish.
Andrea Costanti is one of the most consistent growers in Montalcino, and it shows in the 2008 Brunello di Montalcino, a wine that impresses for its elegance, finesse and harmony. Sweet dark cherries, tobacco, licorice and savory herbs all flesh out in the glass. Surprisingly pliant and generous for the year, the 2008 is a model of class and pure pedigree. Approachable today, the 2008 should have no problem aging gracefully to age 20 and likely beyond. It is without question one of the few great wines of the year. Spiced notes flesh out on the generous, seductive finish. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023. Andrea Costanti has turned out a superb set of wines. What else is new? His 2008 Brunello is one of the wines of the vintage. Judging by the wines Costanti has in the cellar, there are plenty of exciting Brunellos in the pipeline as well. Costanti ages his Brunellos in a combination of cask and tonneau. Tasting the separate components illustrates the effect of oak on unfinished wines to a striking degree. Personally, I feel this fruit, from relatively high-altitude sites near the center of town, is best suited to more neutral oak. That is also true of the Riserva, a wine that, while outstanding, doesn-t seem to hit the same high notes as the straight bottling. I have long thought of Costanti as a top ten estate in Montalcino, but I am now convinced this property could belong in the top five. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900
Mid ruby with broad orange rim. Looks already developed. Liquorice and dried fruit on the nose, but otherwise rather closed. The sweet fruit shows grip but the tannins are a little drying on the finish. (WS)