CONTI COSTANTI Brunello di Montalcino 2004 Andrea Costanti has been running this estate for over twenty years and it has been in his family for more than 200. It is situated in Colle al Matrichese in the eastern part of the Montalcino zone, just outside the town of Montalcino. It covers 10 hectares of vineyards and benefits from the talents of consultant oenologist Vittorio Fiore. Their style is characterised by the striking elegance and intensity of the best wines from this zone, combining the power of Montalcino with the elegance that comes from vineyards situated at a high altitude. The vineyards are planted on galestro soil and at an altitude of over 400m above sea level. The vines are 6-25 years old. 2004 was a great vintage in Montalcino. The weather during the growing season and ripening period was excellent, with the right amount of rainfall and sunshine and a dry, warm autumn. Harvest took place from end September to beginning October. Fermentation took place stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature using selected yeasts for a period of 14 days, followed by 10 day maceration on the skins. The wine aged first for 18 months in 1-3 year old French oak barrels (3.5hl and 5hl capacity), followed by 18 months in 5 to 10 year old 30 hl Slovenian oak casks and a year in bottle. Lovely ruby red colour with fine, intense perfumes of raspberries and spicy cherries on the nose. On the palate it is powerful but elegant above all, with the structure of Brunello offset by fine, savoury and red fruit characters. The finish is elegant and long, with a touch of spice. "Subtle complexity on the nose with an array of berry fruit and an authentic touch of earthiness at the back. Tight, concentrated palate, with fine tannins and bags of energy. Long and savoury. Austere now but destined for greatness." 5 stars, Decanter, Richard Baudains, May-09 "A rich, broad palate of flavours here: tomato, earthy, cherry, vanilla, violets, tannin that grips the mouth with gentle force and a funky cheesiness grated on top. Excellent." 18.5 points, www.jancisrobinson.com, Richard Hemming, 26-Feb-09 Vintage 2004 Grape varieties 100% Sangiovese Region Montalcino Winemaker Vittorio Fiore Closure Cork Alcohol (ABV) 13.5% Acidity 6g/l Bottle Sizes 150cl, 75cl, 37.5cl Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk Price: £51.24 (Including VAT at 20%)