Community Tasting Note

• Robmcl920 wrote:

  March 16, 2024 - After tasting the ‘10 Costanti at a Vinous 2010 Brunello dinner last fall and finding it a bit advanced, I was curious to try another bottle. I purchased one bottle near release from a reputable source in Tuscany.
  
  This bottle seemed in line with the bottle I had at the Vinous event. Texturally, the wine is fully resolved with smooth tannins, medium body and good acidity. Flavor wise, however, for my tastes this seems a bit past peak and it is time to drink up. I found Smoky red cherry, earth, leather, spices, not unattractive but just lacking much vibrancy.
  
  While it’s possible there are better bottles out there, based on my limited experience it appears this wine isn’t aging very well. That’s hardly unique among 2010 Brunello. A recent bottle of ‘10 Mastrojanni was a bit past peak and lacking vibrancy. A bottle of ‘10 Marroneto Madonna at a vertical of that winemaker a few weeks ago hosted by the importer did not show well, although the bottle of ‘10 Madonna I had last fall was better. I’m just not sure Brunello ages well in general.

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2 Comments

• TheBosWineGuy commented:

  3/17/24, 7:05 PM - I couldn’t agree more with your comments. I bought a ton of 2010 Brunellos and they were all better as younger wines. And, cooler less hyped vintages have produced better wines from my experience.

• rpfaffjr commented:

  4/1/24, 1:10 PM - Really interesting to read, especially your experience with the '10 Madonna, which the winemaker selected as his most "valuable" wine in response to a question from Tony Wood in a video interview.
  
  I'm fond of Costanti, decent QPR for northeast side, but also found their '10 to be a bit flat. In fact, they have hit my palate this way across vintages. I much prefer the wild fruit and grippiness of Fuligni, just down the road.
  
  As for aging, I met with the Le Chiuse winemaker, Lorenzo, last December. He's right next door to Il Maronetto. He believes Brunello, unlike Bordeaux, changes over and over across decades. I don't doubt his expertise, but I too prefer my Brunello in the 10-20 year range, from the better vintages.
  
  For me, I'd take an aged Brunello over a similar Barolo any day (except perhaps a Bruno G. red label)

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