2015 Costanti Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG, Montalcino Tuscany

Wine lovers everywhere are in for a real treat with Montalcino’s latest releases. The 2015 Brunellos are some of the best in recent memory. Simply put, 2015 is a great Brunello vintage, easily one of the top eight or ten Brunello vintages of all time. I simply do not recall ever tasting as many outstanding young Brunellos as I did this year.

Ian D’Agata vinous.com

The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva shows the vivid fruit and energy of the vintage, bursting from the glass with masses of crushed cherry, autumn spice, mint and crushed stones. This is a total pleasure to taste, ripe in style yet balanced throughout, with a core of lively acidity that adds a racy quality to its dark red fruits. Earth tones emerge toward the close, showing a hint of development, oset by sour citrus. Clove and balsamic spice resonate over a bed of grippy tannins. While still pretty structured, the 2015 is already performing quite well. I'd expect another year or two will place this into its primetime drinking window.

95 points Eric Guido vinous.com

Costanti Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG is a stellar example of Tuscan winemaking at its finest. Crafted by the historic Conti Costanti estate, this wine represents the pinnacle of Brunello di Montalcino, showcasing extraordinary depth, elegance, and longevity. Produced only in exceptional vintages, the Riserva is a limited-edition wine that highlights the unique terroir of Montalcino and the meticulous craftsmanship of this esteemed estate.

The Conti Costanti estate, one of the most respected names in Montalcino, has been producing wine since the 19th century. Located in the heart of Tuscany, their vineyards are situated at an elevation of 300-400 meters above sea level on well-drained soils composed of galestro, clay, and limestone. These conditions, combined with the region’s Mediterranean climate, allow Sangiovese grapes to develop exceptional structure, acidity, and aromatic complexity.

The Riserva is made exclusively from 100% Sangiovese Grosso grapes, hand-harvested and carefully selected to ensure only the finest fruit is used. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and purity, followed by extended aging in large Slavonian oak casks for over 36 months. This traditional method of maturation imparts subtle oak influence while allowing the wine to retain its vibrant fruit character and develop its hallmark elegance. An additional year of bottle aging ensures harmony and balance before release.

In the glass, Costanti Brunello di Montalcino Riserva reveals a deep garnet color with ruby highlights. The nose is complex and inviting, offering aromas of ripe cherries, blackberries, and plums, intertwined with notes of dried herbs, tobacco, leather, and hints of truffle and spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied and refined, with silky tannins and a vibrant acidity framing flavors of dark fruit, licorice, and earthy undertones. The finish is long and harmonious, leaving an enduring impression of power and finesse.

This Riserva pairs beautifully with hearty Tuscan dishes such as wild boar ragu, braised beef, or roasted lamb. It also complements aged cheeses like Pecorino Toscano or Parmigiano-Reggiano. While approachable now with decanting, this wine has remarkable aging potential, capable of evolving gracefully for 20 years or more.