Altesino : Montosoli 2016

The Altesino 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli was slightly closed at the time of our tasting. It later opened to show dark fruit, licorice and that special mineral tone that comes from this vineyard site with shale soils. The mouthfeel is streamlined, having shed its baby fat, and the effect on the palate is indeed quite elegant and polished.

Leads off with aromas of shiso leaf, juniper and orange peel, along with cherry and berry flavors. Elegant and lacy, this red is focused, with fine intensity and a long, mineral-tinged finish. -- Non-blind Altesino/Caparzo Retrospective (April 2022). Best from 2028 through 2045. 1,200 cases made.

Rose, forest berry, underbrush and new leather are some of the aromas you'll find on this full-bodied red. From one of Montalcino's greatest vineyard sites, the firmly structured, elegant palate is also delicious, boasting ripe black cherry, raspberry compote, tobacco and licorice set against taut, fine-grained tannins. It's well balanced, with bright acidity. Drink 2024–2036.

Altesino has been producing a separate bottling from the cru of Montosoli since 1975, though the vines were partially replanted in 2005 and 2016. If Altesino’s estate Brunello is almost accessible already, the polished yet intense Montosoli needs time in the cellar to demonstrate its potential. The nose is discreet with violet, bramble and bay leaf taking on earthy, savoury tones as it sits in the glass. Tight and firmly fastened, the palate fuses stony notes of granite with dark cherry. Ageing is in 30hL casks of Slavonian oak.

Lovely sweet cherries and heather with some leather and balsamic undertones. It’s full-bodied with a velvety and lightly dusty palate. Juicy fruit and pretty orange peel to the berry character. Hints of cedar and meat at the end. Subtle and complex. Drink after 2025.

Montosoli lies above the morning fog line, allowing for greater exposure to the morning sun, and was the first single vineyard designated wine in Montalcino’s history with its first vintage in 1975. The 2016 takes all the components of the estate Brunello and is amplified with concentrated raspberry coulis, sage, and rose petal. Once again, there is tremendous consistency from the nose to the palate, though here the structure is compact and will need additional time for those who shy away from grippy, building tannins. Drink over the next 20 years or more. Drink 2024-2042.