98-Point 2020 Brunello — “An absolute stunner.” — Kerin O’Keefe

2020 Costanti Brunello di Montalcino (Elsewhere $110) ($89.99)

98 points Kerin O'Keefe: "The 2020 Brunello from Costanti is an absolute stunner. All about fragrance, flavor and finesse, the elegant palate opens with captivating aromas of iris, violet, perfumed berry, dark spice, whiffs of forest floor and eucalyptus that on the palate transform into wild cherry, raspberry compote, licorice, grilled rosemary and truffle. Tightly knit, velvety tannins provide seamless support while fresh acidity provides impeccable balance. A salty note lingers on the persistent finish." (11/2024)

97 points Decanter: "When I tried Costantis 2020 Rosso in 2022, Andrea described the vintage as better suited for Brunello given the high dry extract and sturdy structure. Indeed, his 2020 Brunello is one of the vintages anomalies. It possesses rare profundity and decisiveness of tannins. The nose invites with plum blossom, dark currants, mint and an earthy undertow. Upfront tannins are substantial, grainy and crisp, and the sour cherry and cranberry core soars from the depths bringing bitter cocoa, coffee and alpine herbs along for the ride. Juicy acidity rings out and a distinct saltiness permeates the finish. Nevertheless, it is that unwavering backbone that currently commands, promising a long life ahead. (MM)" (11/2024)

Keith Mabry | K&L Rhone Valley Wine Buyer

The Costanti takes me back to the classical days of Brunello. Beautiful structure, complex fruit profile and that velvety texture that puts you squarely into the proper wines of Montalcino. The nose is deeply Sangiovese with a profile of black cherry, cocoa powder and new saddle leather. The palate is chocolatey with supporting notes of raspberry, iron and dried thyme. The finish is framed by caressing tannins. A pleasure to drink now and will evolve beautifully for years to come. Utterly classic and utterly captivating.

Vanessa Serrano | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 24, 2025

Intense, layered, and juicy, this is the kind of wine you'll want to spend hours with as it opens up. This Brunello comes from the Costanti family who helped pioneer the production of Brunello and still value traditional winemaking techniques from the region. The use of large Slovenian casks allows the Sangiovese to really shine and doesn't impart new wood flavors. The wine is full bodied and elegant, with plenty of acidity to keep it fresh. On the palate you'll get notes of plum, raspberry, blackberries, tobacco, coffee, a light smokiness, and leather. This wine benefits from time, it will shine best if you let it age for several years, but if you're excited to open it up tonight, you'll want to decant it for a few hours so you can enjoy all this Brunello has to offer.   

John Downing | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: August 24, 2025

For me, the wines of Andrea Costanti always rank among the best of the zone with each passing vintage. This 2020 Brunello is definitely the most concentrated I've tasted from him as the vintage resulted in a wine with tremendous fruit extract as well as a wonderful layer of bold, ripe tannins. Although it's youthful and lively at the moment, it is sure to further reward with a bit of cellaring. It offers up fragrant red fruit aromas with notes of died tobacco, cedar and mineral and a flavor-packed palate of concentrated red fruits with substantial ripe tannins and vibrant acidity. This is a tour-de-force Brunello that highlights all the best characteristics of an outstanding vintage.

K&L Notes: Proprietor Andrea Costanti believes that the trio of vintages 2019, 2020 and 2021 are among the best ever made. In addition to the 2020 Brunello di Montalcino tasted here, I had the chance to preview a taste of the 2021 and the 2022 vintages during my visit to the winery. The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino reveals a rich textural fiber with dark fruit flavors. The baby 2022 Brunello di Montalcino was born in a hot and dry year and appears quite vertical and punchy at this time. Final reviews of these wines will be rolled out over the next two years after the respective vintages have been bottled.