Altesino
Altesino has always been a disruptively pioneering figure in Montalcino. One of the very first producers to age its wines in small French oak barriques, thus lessening the invasive presence of strong tannic influences, the elegance of Altesino stood out instantly. An even greater leap came with their decision to introduce the concept of cru bottlings to Montalcino, crafting glorious expressions of specific individual terroirs in the form of the “Montosoli” cuvée.
Purchased by the owner of nearby Tenuta Caparzo in 2002, Altesino is poised to maintain its position at the very top of Brunello, and is clearly thriving amidst the greatest revolution within the region to take place since the Biondi-Santi “invention” of Brunello over 100 years ago.
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$442.00 -
$292.00 -
(12x75cl) 2016Jeb Dunnuck (95+)
The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino has remarkably consistent integration from the nose to the palate. There are generous aromatics of fresh raspberry, rosemary, lavender and Mediterranean herbs. The palate opens up with ripe and inviting cherry fruit and tea leaf, with supple tannin and freshness on the finish. Its drinkability now should not be confused for a lack of structure, as it is true to the energetic nature of the vintage. Drink 2021-2036.$581.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (95+)
The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino has remarkably consistent integration from the nose to the palate. There are generous aromatics of fresh raspberry, rosemary, lavender and Mediterranean herbs. The palate opens up with ripe and inviting cherry fruit and tea leaf, with supple tannin and freshness on the finish. Its drinkability now should not be confused for a lack of structure, as it is true to the energetic nature of the vintage. Drink 2021-2036.$341.00 -
(6x75cl) 2009Vinous (91+)
Bright red. Minty redcurrant, gunflint and fresh violet on the enticing, precise nose. Pure and penetrating in the mouth, with lively acidity lifting the creamy-sweet red berry and red cherry flavors. The long finish features smooth tannins, lively acid lift and a whiff of flinty minerality. This is much more refined than the entry-level Brunello; in fact, it's one of the better young Montosolis in my memory.$465.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (97)
Balancing power and grace, this wine delivers alluring aromas and flavors of ripe black cherry, raspberry compote, grilled herb, licorice and tar. Vibrant acidity and firm, velvety tannins provide freshness and structure, while a hint of pipe tobacco closes the lingering finish. Drink 2020–2032.$505.00 -
Vinous (97)
Good full pale ruby-red. Knockout aromas and flavors of red cherry, raspberry, licorice and minerals, complicated by hints of iris and violet. Extremely suave and polished on the extremely long, pure, mineral finish. Deeper, richer, more tannic and longer than the lovely 2013 Brunello Classico from Altesino, this is an absolutely beautiful Brunello. I especially like that the pristine, refined aromas and flavors of the famed Montosoli site are showcased to maximum effect here. One of the best Brunellos of the vintage.$437.00 -
James Suckling (97)
A very nuanced but powerful Brunello showing hibiscus, raspberry tea, gunpowder, petrichor, dried orange rind and spearmint. The rows of sharp tannins are very defined and agile, and the acidity is tensely strung up in overtures of vivacious red fruit. A beautiful, nimble Brunello 2015. Drink from 2024.$507.00 -
Wine Spectator (97)
Packed with sweet, ripe cherry, plum and raspberry fruit and framed by loamy earth and woodsy notes, this red is intense, lively and light on its feet. Balanced, with firm tannins and a salty, minerally impression on the lingering aftertaste. Best from 2024 through 2045. 1,200 cases made.$528.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
This is one of the icon wines of Montalcino and one of the bottles that best captures the character of this prized vineyard cru. Altesino farms 4.5 hectares in Montosoli at 350 meters in elevation with galestro soils. The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli is darkly concentrated and rich. It shows an almost creamy consistency that was not easy to achieve in this hot vintage that tends to underline tannic power and alcohol. Instead, this wine offers a steady stream of dark fruit flavors that transition to spice, leather and sweet tobacco. Production is limited to 15,000 bottles.$862.00 -
James Suckling (97)
This has a complex nose of cranberries, dried pineapple, soy, bark, cardamom, mocha, iodine and wet leather. Full-bodied, with firm and very fine tannins. It really builds in intensity, expanding into a broad array of fresh and dried fruit and espresso bean, before converging again on a long and driven finish. Fantastic already. Try now or in a couple of years.$372.00 -
Wine Advocate (97)
From a beautiful site that must be seen to be believed, the Altesino 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli is redolent with dark fruit, blackcurrant and crushed slate. The mineral element of Montosoli and its schistic galestro-rich soils comes through beautifully in this vintage to add a linear sense of immediacy and verticality to the bouquet. The mouthfeel is especially elegant, and the wine's acidity is delivered expertly to showcase freshness but more importantly to highlight the quality of the fruit. The effect is very tonic and bright, and you get hints of baked brioche or oven-baked Italian focaccia bread, thanks to careful aging in Slavonian oak. This is a 12,000-bottle release.$712.00 -
Vinous (88)
Full ruby-red color. Gamey aromas of currant, espresso and nutty oak. Deep, rich and very ripe, with concentrated, sappy flavors of currant, licorice and game. A tactile, full, traditional Brunello with good vinosity and big, mouthdusting tannins. I would have rated this higher but for its rather pronounced meaty character and slight finishing dryness.$1,095.00 -
Wine Spectator (97)
Laced with ripe cherry, strawberry, floral, spice, iron and leather flavors, this red is complex and charming, yet with serious tannins that ply the structure and lift the long finish. The fine balance should facilitate longevity. Best from 2024 through 2048. 1,600 cases made.$550.00 -
Wine Advocate (96+)
The Altesino 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva holds tight to its unique character and power. The classic 2016 vintage produced generous wines that are layered and rich but also coiled tightly at their core. This wine exemplifies this point, adding lots of tart Sangiovese fruit and freshness along the way. It also shows an impressive richness of flavors with dried cherry, licorice, pressed violets, balsam herb and dusty limestone. The caveat with this wine, should you decide to drink it early, is that it needs extra time to open (and a double decanting would also help). This 10,000-bottle production opens beautifully in time.$695.00 -
Vinous (90)
The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a dark beauty, slowly unfurling with dried cherries, exotic sweet spice, fresh tobacco and hints of mint. It’s rich and dense in feel, yet lifted by cooling acidity, as ripe black fruits easily wash across the palate, leaving bitter-tea-like tannins that collect toward the close. The finish is tannic and drying, yet not severe, leaving nuances of plum and lavender to linger. The vintage has left its mark on the 2017 Riserva, yet cellaring will help relieve its youthful structure. That said, I don’t see it as a candidate for extended aging.$389.00
