Acclaim

“The 2019 Fuligni Brunello Riserva is drop-dead gorgeous. Made with the oldest estate vines, it opens with enticing scents of pine forest, violet, eucalyptus, juniper, new leather and dark exotic spice. Boasting intensity and finesse, the delicious, radiant palate delivers succulent Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice, black tea and baking spice set against enveloping, velvety tannins. Fresh acidity provides balance and the promise of great longevity. An absolutely thrilling wine. Drink 2029–2049.” Abv: 14.5% Kerin O’Keefe November 2024 ©kerinokeefe.com

“2019 was a fantastic vintage in Montalcino and in particular for storied producer Conti Costanti. Andrea Costanti’s compelling 2019 Brunello Riserva is exquisite, starting with its heady scents of violet, rose, exotic dark spice, camphor and forest floor. Brimming with class and extreme elegance, the delicious palate mesmerizes with great depth and layers of flavor including Morello cherry, raspberry compote, orange zest, licorice, cake spice and crushed mint framed in tightly woven, refined tannins. Bright acidity provides impeccable balance and intensity. This is already tempting but the best is yet to come. The Costanti Riservas are only made in extraordinary years, and like the 2016 Riserva, the 2019 is made from the oldest estate vines. After fermenting and aging all the vineyards separately, the final cut was made in the cellar after three years of refinement in barrel. It’s absolutely breathtaking. Drink 2029–2049.” Abv: 14% Kerin O’Keefe November 2024 ©kerinokeefe.com

“Medium-deep red. Piercing aromas of pure redcurrant, crisp violet, minerals, licorice and fennel. Ripe, sweet and suave in the mouth; very easygoing, lighter-styled Barolo that has obviously been very gently extracted, offering slightly minty and very approachable clean flavours of red berries, roses and seemingly low acidity. Finishes with soft tannins and good length. Drinking window: 2029-2039.”

Slightly darker colour than the 2023 Nebbiolo d’Alba (note the wine name change). This is made from a Barbaresco cru, the Bricco di Treiso where Lodali’s vines are currently only four years old and will need at least another six years before he will use their grapes to make a Barbaresco. Ferments in small tonneax, and matures one year in larger Garbellotto Slavonian oak barrels (in 2023 he will use 25 hectoliter barrel). Drinking window: 2025-2030.”

“Slightly darker colour than the 2023 Nebbiolo d’Alba (note the wine name change). This is made from a Barbaresco cru, the Bricco di Treiso where Lodali’s vines are currently only four years old and will need at least another six years before he will use their grapes to make a Barbaresco. Ferments in small tonneax, and matures one year in larger Garbellotto Slavonian oak barrels (in 2023 he will use 25 hectoliter barrel). Drinking window: 2025-2030.”

“Fuligni’s 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva reveals a sultry and savory side with medium-grained tannins and extra textural buffering that surrounds a core of dark blackberry fruit. The alcohol content is high at 15%, but this full-bodied vintage does a very good job of covering up those excesses. This Riserva closes with hints of root beer and sauna wood.” -Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Nov. 2024

“From galestro-rich soils, the Conti Costanti 2020 Brunello di Montalcino offers a full bouquet of sweet fruit and spice. The wine is plump and rich in personality with sweet tannins and some phenolic heft due to the warm growing conditions. However, its velvety texture and full-bodied approach offer enough padding to smooth it over. Production is 34,000 bottles and larger formats.” -Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Nov. 2024

“Here is another very elegant expression from a sunny vintage that successfully hones in on a bright, fruit-forward drinking style. The Fuligni 2020 Brunello di Montalcino shows dark fruit aromas, spruce pine cone, wildflowers and light spice. It wraps smoothly over the palate with an elegant, mid-weight texture.” – Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Nov. 2024