Altesino : Riserva 2013

Compared to 2014, the 2013 vintage was a breeze from a farming and winemaking point of view. A relatively stress-free growing season tends to transmit more clarity and intensity to the finished product. That’s the impression I get when I taste the savory, rich, and sophisticated 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva. Some 10,000 bottles were released. This wine delivers thick ripeness with bold cherry aromas folded into spice, leather, and tangy black licorice. This wine achieves a higher level of aromatic intensity compared to the elegant Altesino 2014 Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli (which I actually preferred at this tasting). However, my impression is that this 2013 riserva will ultimately offer a more fruitful and interesting bottle evolution five to ten years from now.

Brilliant, bright garnet red. Inviting nose with notes of pomegranate and raspberry, some peach. Firm tannins on the palate, opens with a sweet texture, but unfortunately loses tension on the finish.

Aromas of juniper, rosemary, thyme and Szechuan peppercorn segue to strawberry, cherry and rose hip flavors in this elegant red. Intense and balanced, with the structure to develop over the next two decades. Shows excellent depth and length. Best from 2022 through 2043. 833 cases made, 500 cases imported.

This offers an array of light and bright cassis and other blue-fruit notes with wild herbs and raspberry leaf. Then, a smooth, fresh and approachable palate carries a supple, smooth and velvety core on fine, even tannins. Drink or hold.

Linear and made in a focused style, this fragrant red has aromas of camphor, rose, thyme and new leather. The racy palate offers sour cherry, star anise, menthol and wild herb set against taut fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity. Drink 2023–2033.