Acclaim

With a history stretching back to the mid-16th century, Conti Costanti is one of the founding estates of the Brunello di Montalcino denomination, run by Andrea Costanti since 1983. He follows up his gorgeously seductive 2015 with a stunningly refined and gracious 2016. Savoury earthy notes are accompanied by nuanced dried florals, citrus peel and pure red berries. It reaches profound depths on the palate where compact, ripe and dusty tannins promise a long cellaring life. It’s so seamlessly put together that it’s almost a shame to try teasing it apart.  -Michaela Morris, Decanter, Apr. 2021

The Fuligni family moved from Maremma to Montalcino early in the 20th century, establishing the estate in 1923. Maria Flora has been at the helm since 1971, with her nephew Roberto managing most of the operations today. This historic property has released one of the most exquisite wines of 2016. Revealing its complexities gradually, it unfolds with a smoky flintiness, balsamic nuances and Mediterranean herbs. Seemingly endless in layers and depth, there is generosity but it never weighs the palate down. Powerful, sophisticated tannins are finely powdered, and piercing acidity radiates throughout. Hints of liquorice, violet, blood orange and iron eventually emerge. Lengthy and effortlessly commanding.  -Michaela Morris, Decanter, Apr. 2021

The Fuligni estate is located between the town of Montalcino and Torrenieri in the northeast. Its 10ha of vineyards reach up to 450 metres on rocky marls and are mostly east facing. This rather gentle, cooler exposition worked in the wine’s favour in 2015. While full-bodied, it is adeptly proportioned and even demonstrates great precision, boasting sweet, dried herbs, coriander and leather atop plush red cherries. There is a stoniness underneath, with layers of clingy tannins and a sappy, appetising finish.” -Michaela Morris, Decanter, Apr. 2021

The Fattoria Carpineta Fontalpino 2018 Chianti Classico Fontalpino (made with organic fruit) is a special wine with a hint of raspberry or candied orange peel that is specific to this bottle from Castelnuovo Berardenga. This is one of the most Pinot Noir-oriented Sangiovese wines I have tasted from this slightly warmer Chianti Classico subregion. The wine is delicate, polished and perfect for a pork loin roast with onions and potatoes. Nice job.” – Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Apr. 2021

Made with certified organic fruit, the Fattoria Carpineta Fontalpino 2017 Do Ut Des is a beautiful and graceful blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from Castelnuovo Berardenga. The wine is subtle and soft, with unfolding aromas of dark fruit, spice, eucalyptus oil, licorice and smoke. It offers terrific depth and width. The vintage’s challenges of heat and drought are not registered whatsoever. There is a lot to recommend here. Try it with some crostini and liver pâté.  – Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Apr. 2021

This Brunello offers dark fruit flavors of black currant, blackberry, violet and iron. A steely line of tannins adds support and the supple texture ties it all together. Classy and complex, finishes with accents of tobacco and spice. Best from 2024 through 2045. —B.S., Wine Spectator, Apr. 2021

The 2016 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Costa Grande offers an intriguing mix of transparency and understated power. Crushed flowers, sweet red cherry, mint, spice, tobacco and cedar are all beautifully lifted. Persistent and yet delicate, the Costa Grande is yet another superb wine in this range.  – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Apr. 2021

A dense, plush wine, the 2015 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Il Nocio is loaded with black cherry, licorice, spice, mocha and incense. Sweet oak notes add texture as well as a modern sheen that is quite attractive. Readers should expect a big, extroverted style. I suspect readers with classically leaning palates will gravitate to some of the other wines in the range, but the Nocio is unquestionably well done.  – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Apr. 2021

The 2017 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a terrific choice for drinking now and over the next handful of years. Readers will find a wine that offers plenty of Vino Nobile depth, but in a mid-weight style that makes it accessible. Bright red cherry, dried flowers, mint and white pepper add a brilliant upper register to the red Sangiovese fruit.  – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Apr. 2021

The 2015 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva is a gorgeous, sensual wine. The translucent beauty of Sangiovese runs through this wonderfully expressive Riserva from Boscarelli. A wine of total elegance and finesse, the 2015 is a great example of just how compelling Vino Nobile is. Readers can enjoy the 2015 or cellar it for a decade or more. I find it exquisite and irresistible.” – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Apr. 2021