2006 - Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, Conti Costanti

Dark, brooding and complex, the 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva takes its time forming up in the glass as dried violets and crushed stones give way to grilled herbs, musky currants and lifting camphor hints. This displays soft and round textures along with ripe red berry fruits. Inner earth tones and leather reveal a bit of its maturity. The 2006 leaves the palate drenched in fine-grained tannins, still structured yet not severe, leaving a tinge of sour berry fruit and the slightest trace of sous bois. This is showing beautifully and firmly in its drinking window. Of note, I tasted this both from 750ml and magnum. The note speaks more to the former, yet it's worth mentioning that the wine from magnum possesses further dimension and a fresher experience on the palate, eliminating the hint of soy mentioned in my note.

The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva emerges from the glass with freshly cut flowers, sweet red berries, licorice and spices all wrapped around a sensual, elegant frame of notable class. Considerable aeration is needed to bring out the wine’s depth and textural richness. This is an excellent wine, but more often than not I am attracted more to the straight Brunello here, as is the case again in 2006. Costanti gave the 2006 Riserva 36 months in oak, 18 months in medium-sized barrels followed by 18 months in cask. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026. These are two beautiful Brunelli from Andrea Costanti, one of the few producers who has had the skill to give his wines a little extra polish without abandoning what is essentially a traditional style. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900