1999 Brunello di Montalcino
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Tasting notes
Andrea Costanti is the heir to one of the great names of Montalcino, and I would accordingly like to see a bit more commitment and more inspired winemaking at this house, whose wines are solid, professional, but rarely inspired, efforts. The 1999 Brunello di Montalcino, a dark ruby-garnet, is appealingly expansive on the nose with all the right notes of red fruit, tar, and leather. The palate offers considerable intensity and length, but is somewhat austere and needs some additional sweetness and roundness. Drink: 2005-2015. Importer: Empson USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Deep red-ruby. Perfumed aromas of raspberry and dried flowers. Supple, suave and aromatic, with an impressively fine-grained texture. At once dense and lively, with firm, integrated acidity giving shape and grip to the red fruit, rose petal and mineral flavors. Finishes subtle and long, with youthfully firm tannins and a pronounced floral quality.
Healthy crimson. Layered compost and mulch on the (interesting, intriguing) nose. Admirable mixture of elegance and ripeness. Really rather delicate but with convincingly ripe flavours. Dry finish. No hurry to drink this one. Racy though. (JR)