2012 Conti Costanti Brunello di Montalcino [WE98][V94+][D94][WS92][WA91]

Producer: Conti Costanti    
Region: Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy  
Varietal: Sangiovese  
Year: 2012 

Wine Enthusiast, 98 Points 

"Immensely inviting, this opens with fragrant pipe tobacco, crushed berry, new leather and pressed violet aromas. On the palate, firm, refined tannins underpin juicy black cherry, raspberry and cinnamon flavors, while orange zest accents and an energizing mineral note lift the finish. It's beautifully balanced with bright acidity and will reward a bit of cellaring. Drink 2020–2032." 

Vinous, 94+ Points 

"Vivid dark red. Ripe aromas of red cherry, blood orange and stone fruit. Smooth, dense and juicy, with flavors similar to the aromas but complicated by notes of fresh herbs, sweet spices and hints of flint. Long and suave, with noble but youthfully chewy tannins providing support. Knockout classic Brunello, in fact, one of the year’s best." 

Decanter, 94 Points 

"The summer of 2012 was hot throughout. However, Costanti suggests that the cooler, higher altitude vineyards in the northern part of the Montalcino zone as well as the fresher temperatures in September helped impart balance. The proof is in his wine which proposes an intricate mix of star anise and cinnamon with red cherry and savoury forest notes. Layered and textured tannin dissolving gradually across the palate and the alcohol is admirably in check." 

Wine Spectator, 92 Points 

"Sweet cherry, licorice, leather and wild herb aromas and flavors converge on the dense structure of this red, which takes on a tannic edge as it plays out. There's plenty of fruit, and all the components seem to be in the right proportions. Best from 2021 through 2036." 

Wine Advocate, 91 Points 

"The Conti Costanti 2012 Brunello di Montalcino is a sure bet even if you are a Sangiovese novice. This is a richly extracted and beautifully layered red wine that imparts generous fruit tones supported by ample spice and tobacco. The effect is supple and round, especially with regards to the bouquet. I am perhaps a little more hesitant when it comes to the mouthfeel. I tend to notice the overripe fruit here and there is a sour cherry flavor that reinforces this impression. The wine is soft and supple in texture, so basically it offers a mixed bag of mostly positive vinous sensations that make it attractive for near-term consumption." 

Alcohol: 14% 

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