Costanti's 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva takes some time to blossom in the glass. It's dusty and floral in character, blowing off notes of white smoke and crushed stone before showing a delightful mix of ripe plums, cherries and sweet spice balanced by hints of leather and flowery undergrowth. There's a wonderful purity to its red berry fruits, guided by juicy acids and salty minerals, which creates a refreshing yet tactile feel, as fine tannins slowly begin to dry out the expression. Youthfully dry and a bit chewy, this tapers off with gorgeous inner sweetness. Andrea Costanti explains that the barrel regiment here is the same as his straight Brunello, with just one more year in bottle before release, but that he picks the barrel that shows the greatest aging potential and balanced acidity for the Riserva. My best advice is to lose this in the cellar for at least the next five years.

Eric Guido - Vinous Media (95)