This stunning wine boasts loads of character that peels off as aromatic layers of cherry, cassis, soapy wild flowers, violets, earth, cola and church incense. There’s a sweet spice element of cinnamon and nutmeg and all the flavors last long on the finish. It’s tempered, elegant and smooth overall.
— M.L.
(10/1/2010)
This gorgeous wine opens with a big, bold aromatic bang, enormous depth, intensity and concentration. This is a massive Brunello on every front including aromatics. The tones of cherry, leather, tobacco, sweet spice and toasted nut are perfectly focused and bright.
— M.L.
(4/1/2011)
Altesino delivers a wonderfully harmonious wine that invites one delicious sip after another thanks to its polished intensity. Subtle wood shadings appear in the background of bright cherry and blackberry. Overall, what distinguishes this wine is the sense of focus, sharpness and purity.
— M.L.
(6/1/2009)
Splendid from the gun, and classy. Early aromas of hard spices, mineral and matchstick announce some young oak, but that shortly dissipates, revealing a tight cherry and dark-chocolate bouquet. This model Brunello is impeccably balanced through the palate and onto the finish, which features a huge mix of pepper, licorice, baked fruit and vanilla. Hold at least…
— M.S.
(6/1/2004)
We preferred Altesino’s base Brunello to its cru selection from the estate’s special 10-acre vineyard—but only by the smallest of margins. Montosoli is a tremendous wine with impressive intensity and staying power that takes shape as cherry, tobacco, spice and bursting blueberry. Drink from 2010 through 2020.
— M.L.
(6/1/2009)
Altesino produces some of our favorite Brunello and although this vintage of Montosoli is less overt than others, the winemakers have worked hard to craft a top shelf expression from this sun-kissed territory. There’s enormous depth and persistency here with aromas of black fruit, spice and cherry cola. It’s smooth, rich and long lasting.
— M.L.
(10/1/2010)
Altesino’s Brunello is not a simple wine by any measure. Indeed, beyond the cherry and tobacco aromas you find in Brunello, this wine offers a wide spectrum of dried herbs, cola, ginger and eucalyptus tones that make the bouquet really shine. The wine delivers soft richness on the close.
— M.L.
(5/1/2013)
Oak spice, bramble, toasted almond, chocolate, spice, dark fruit and rum cake all make appearances. This is tight, firm, straightforward yet generous. The oak element will soften with more years of cellar aging. Save for 5–10 years.
— M.L.
(5/1/2012)