Truth be told, receiving a score just a mere two points shy of a perfect one hundred is truly magical. Andrea Costanti is fortunate enough to see his hard work recognized with just such a score, and more than once. After last’s years 98 from Antonio Galloni, this year, Wine Enthusiast awarded Costanti’s Brunello di Montalcino 2012 with a well-deserved 98 points, proving once again that not all Brunellos are created the same.
Wine Access wrote a lovely article featuring the 2012 vintage and Costanti’s top-rated Brunello:
“Leading the way on many scorecards, including our own, was Andrea Costanti’s brilliant red-ruby stunner. Culled from less than 30 acres of vines in the high-elevation, northern reaches of Montalcino, Costanti’s 2012 epitomizes the classic, seductive side of the region, offering up Burgundian aromatics and the richest Pinot Noir-like concentration and balance, all stapled together with a splash of Brunello rusticity.
Deep red-ruby to the rim. On the nose, red currant, dark plum, ripe cherry, and kirsch are mixed with textbook floral tones and dried-flower minerality. The attack is rich and plush, showing off the extreme ripeness of that hot summer. Silken in texture, showing restraint and sweetness, finishing with the superb tannin structure that has always distinguished Costanti’s finest and most age-worthy Brunellos. Drink now (only if you’re horribly impatient) or do as we always do and lay down the top Brunello of the vintage for 10-15 years.”
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