Acclaim

“One of the best of the 2021 Brunellos, Fuligni’s latest creation is a masterpiece of classicism. Good full, deep red. The refined nose offers aromas of dark red cherry, raspberry, violet, flint and cedar. Then silky and compact in the mouth, with an enticing multi-layered quality to its complex, still youthfully brooding flavours of red berries, dark plum, and orange peel. Firm tannins frame the palate-coating flavours without introducing any hardness but leave an impression of steeliness and tapered, elegant delivery of fruit. This beauty really resonates on the rising, pure, precise finish. Drinking window: 2030-2040.” – Ian D’Agata, Dec. 2025

“So perfumed and seductive on the nose, with black cherries, minerals and rose petals that follow through to a medium body with ultra-fine tannins. Its finesse and vision tell you why Brunello is great. Long, vivid and beautifully balanced. Already a joy to taste, but best after 2027.”

Lavender, eucalyptus, dark spice and Mediterranean scrub aromas form the nose on the beautiful Costanti 2020 Brunello Riserva. Showing the estate’s hallmark of finesse, the elegantly structured palate offers succulent Morello cherry, wild raspberry, licorice and clementine accompanied by polished tannins. Fresh acidity provides impeccable balance. Drink 2029–2040. Abv: 14.5% Kerin O’Keefe December 2025 ©kerinokeefe.com

The classy Fuligni 2020 Brunello Riserva is another gorgeous wine from this storied estate. Perfumed and loaded with finesse, it opens with inviting aromas of violet, fine pipe tobacco, wild berry and a whiff of new leather. Showing the winery’s trademark of extreme elegance, the palate captivates with baked plum, raspberry compote, star anise and bitter orange before closing on a hint of vanilla. Velvety tannins provide seamless support while fresh acidity keeps it impeccably balanced. Drink 2028–2038. Abv: 14.5% Kerin O’Keefe December 2025 ©kerinokeefe.com

“Wow. This is an outstanding wine with plenty of complexity. Classic aromas of licorice, crushed stones, red cherries, wild strawberries, smoke, woodland and earth. Full-bodied, juicy, velvety and dense, with a long, savory finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2027.” -James Suckling, Dec. 2025

“With vineyards to the east of the town, Fuligni follows a traditional approach, normally releasing just one Brunello, and a Riserva in selected vintages. The estate’s flagship annata bottling is crafted to be accessible in its youth. In 2021, it demonstrates that affability without divulging all at once or sacrificing ageing potential. Veiled in dark earthy nuances to begin, aromas gain in precision with each swirl. Heady scents of violet and lilac lead to the velvety palate, where fleshy cherry and apricot are swaddled in caressing tannins that you can sink your teeth into. These bite back with chalky confidence. With beams of bright acidity throughout, this lingers with pure pleasure.” –Michaela Morris

“Following the relatively hefty Rosso and decisively tannic Brunello, it is no surprise that Conti Costanti’s 2020 Riserva is somewhat of a brooding, structured specimen. Savoury and earthy rather than fruit driven, it hints at soy, leather and bay leaf. The palate demonstrates more of its innate class with textually rich waves of dark, fleshy berries offset by puckering acidity. Suede-like tannins are tightly fastened. One of the few Riservas that demands more time.”

TOP 100.

The compelling Conti Costanti 2021 Brunello captivates with pronounced aromas of fragrant purple flower, eucalyptus, Mediterranean brush and perfumed berry. All about class and extreme finesse, the elegant palate delivers succulent wild raspberry, crushed Marasca cherry, spiced orange zest and star anise set against a backbone of fine-grained tannins. Fresh acidity lends balance and great intensity. Year after year Andrea Costanti turns out what are among the very best wines from Montalcino, and the 2021 is no exception, it’s an absolute stunner with great aging potential. Drink 2031–2046. Abv: 14% Kerin O’Keefe November 2025 ©kerinokeefe.com

The Santadi 2022 Carignano del Sulcis Rocca Rubia Riserva is one of the Sardinia’s benchmark wines and the lovely 2022 doesn’t disappoint. Fragrant and refined, it opens with heady aromas of Mediterranean scrub, lavender, eucalyptus and sea breeze that on the full-bodied, elegantly structured palate segue into blueberry, succulent black cherry, licorice, vanilla and bitter orange before closing on saline and briny mineral notes. Velvety tannins lend a weightless concentration. Abv: 14.5% Kerin O’Keefe February 2026 ©kerinokeefe.com

“The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino mixes crushed violets and roses with nuances of sour citrus and wild berries to form its alluring bouquet. A model of purity, it is surprisingly lifted yet silken in feel, with pretty red berry fruits swirling across a tactile mineral core. Sweet tannins and a staining of primary concentration remain, finishing long and balanced with a pleasantly chewy sensation that lingers. While already appealing, the 2021 will require cellaring to soften the blow.”