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Producer Wine Vintage Publication Date Score Detail
Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2009 Vinous 01/05/2014 92
Verbiage

“An open, resonant wine, the 2009 Brunello di Montalcino impresses for its supple personality and gorgeous overall balance. Sweet tobacco, dried flowers, red cherries and menthol wrap around the palate in a deep, fleshy wine loaded with character. Readers will find plenty of near and medium term appeal here. The 2009 finishes with striking aromatics, sweet red fruit and gorgeous, subtle herbal overtones. Proprietor Roberto Guerrini has done an excellent job with these new releases, showing once again why Fuligni remains among the top estates in Montalcino. Guerrini continues to move towards larger casks for his top wines, a choice that is giving the wines a level of transparency and translucency they have always had previously.” – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, May 2014

Fuligni Brunello di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2007 Vinous 01/05/2014 94
Verbiage

“Fuligni’s 2007 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is simply stunning. Still deeply-colored, the 2007 continues to grow with time in bottle. Rose petals, sweet tobacco, mint, juicy cherries and pomegranate abound in a dark, voluptuous wine endowed with tons of depth and pure richness. This is a fabulous showing. Fuligni’s 2007 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is simply stunning. Still deeply-colored, the 2007 continues to grow with time in bottle. Rose petals, sweet tobacco, mint, juicy cherries and pomegranate abound in a dark, voluptuous wine endowed with tons of depth and pure richness. This is a fabulous showing.” – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, May 2014

Fuligni Rosso di Montalcino Ginestreto DOC 2012 Vinous 01/05/2014 91
Verbiage

“The 2012 Rosso di Montalcino Ginestreto wraps around the palate with serious depth and power. New leather, anise, spices and dried red cherries flesh out in a powerful, dense Rosso loaded with class and pedigree. Readers who want to get a sense of the quality of the 2012 vintage should make sure to taste the Ginestreto. The 2012 was done in equal parts tonneau and steel. Proprietor Roberto Guerrini has done an excellent job with these new releases, showing once again why Fuligni remains among the top estates in Montalcino. Guerrini continues to move towards larger casks for his top wines, a choice that is giving the wines a level of transparency and translucency they have always had previously.” – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, May 2014

Conti Costanti Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2009 Wine Enthusiast 01/05/2014 90
Verbiage

“This wine shows real depth, beginning with earthy aromas of underbrush, ripe berried fruit, blue flower and smidge of leather. The palate offers a core of black cherry accented with notes of baking spices and a hint of truffle alongside a solid tannic backbone and nervous acidity that restrains the berry richness. Drink 2016-2024.” -Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast, May 2014

Conti Costanti Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2008 Vinous 01/05/2014 94
Verbiage

“Dark red cherries, plums, graphite, savory herbs, minerals, spices, wild flowers and leather are all very much alive in Costanti’s 2008 Brunello di Montalcino. The flavors are a bit cooler and more restrained than in the 2009, while the overall textural feel is slightly compact at this stage, so I would give the 2008 a little more time in bottle. I am very pleased with how well the 2008 has developed over the last year. There is a level of tension and pure energy in the 2008 that is incredibly appealing. Andrea Costanti nailed both of this year’s current vintages with a compelling 2012 Rosso and super-expressive 2009 Brunello. These handmade, artisan wines remain some of the most individualistic, terroir-driven wines in Montalcino. I can’t recommend them highly enough. Andrea Costanti is at the top of his game, it’s as simple as that.” – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, May 2014

Conti Costanti Rosso di Montalcino DOC 2012 Vinous 01/05/2014 92
Verbiage

“Costanti’s 2012 Rosso di Montalcino is a drop-dead gorgeous beauty. Sweet red berries, flowers, spices and new leather jump from the glass in a fleshy, vibrant Rosso endowed with tons of class and energy. There is so much to like here, from the wine’s expressive aromatics to the ripe fruit to the veins of supporting acidity. What a beautiful wine this is. I tasted the 2012 Rosso just before its imminent bottling. Andrea Costanti nailed both of this year’s current vintages with a compelling 2012 Rosso and super-expressive 2009 Brunello. These handmade, artisan wines remain some of the most individualistic, terroir-driven wines in Montalcino. I can’t recommend them highly enough. Andrea Costanti is at the top of his game, it’s as simple as that.” – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, May 2014

2009 Wine Enthusiast 01/05/2014 90
Verbiage

“This wine opens with a fragrance of woodland berries, cooking spices and balsamic notes. The rich palate delivers creamy sour cherry, clove and truffle alongside the warmth of evident alcohol, a reflection of the hot and forward vintage. Drink this while the 2006 and 2008 Barolos continue to age.” -Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast, May 2014

Cascina Bongiovanni Barolo DOCG 2010 James Suckling 14/04/2014 92
Verbiage

“This young Barolo shows a fabulous center core of dried strawberries and lemons. Full body with chewy tannins and a tangy finish. A strong, persistent red. Better after 2016.” -James Suckling April 14, 2014

Marcarini Barolo Brunate DOCG 2010 James Suckling 14/04/2014 93
Verbiage

“Incredibly floral with rose petal and lilac aromas, and hints of dried fruits. Full body with firm tannins and a citrus, berry and mineral character. Balanced and structured. Better in 2017.” -James Suckling, Apr. 2014

Private: Conterno Fantino Private: Barolo Ginestra “Vigna Sori Ginestra” DOCG 2010 James Suckling 14/04/2014 93
Verbiage

“Aromas of blackberry, mushroom and cherry. Full body with tannins that are chewy but polished and well-crafted. A balanced red. Better in 2017.” -James Suckling, Apr. 2014

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