Altesino : Brunello di Montalcino 2019

Altesino counts approximately 50 hectares across Montalcino’s northern and southern stretches. A compilation of diverse sites, the estate Brunello is among the denomination’s best values. If the Montosoli bottling is more solemn in tone, this 2019 is joyful and bright. Heady red currant and cherry mingle with plum and anise. The sumptuously fruited, plush palate is mouth-filling yet agile. Sandy-textured tannins envelop and caress while citrusy acidity lifts the whole. Already accessible, it has sufficient depth, concentration, and backbone for a solid decade of enjoyment.

Bright, light ruby red. Ripe currants on the nose, reminiscent of nougat and cold fruit tea. Shows earthy notes on the palate, ripe berryish fruit and full-bodied tannins, with good drive, somewhat warm-hearted and rough in the finish.

Pouring a rich ruby color, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino offers an attractive nose of cherry candies, sweet herbs, polished leather, and orange oils. It moves seamlessly to the palate with equally harmonious structure and a great, long finish. Medium to full-bodied, it lasts for ages. This is one of those wines that’s going to have a very wide drinking window and is exceptional already. Drink 2026-2046.

Though solidly structured, this red displays macerated flavors of cherry, plum, earth and wild herbs, backed by vibrant acidity. A hint of chocolate graces the finish alongside dense tannins. Best from 2026 through 2039. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 9,200 cases made, 3,100 cases imported.

A medium-bodied red with pretty plum and berry aromas and flavors. Fine tannins and a fresh finish. Very fine and focused. Not the most structured, but this is all about finesse and polish. Drinkable now, but better in two or three years.

A dark ruby color in the glass, the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino opens with a beguiling blend of dusty earth, crushed rocks, savory herbs and dried roses. This is racy and sleek, with vividly ripe wild berry fruits elevated by orange and sage, all guided by vibrant acidity. Grippy tannins take control through the finish, yet the mouth is left watering for more as a bitter licorice tinge and dark chocolate adds a crunchy sensation.

Rocks and dirt and crushed wild herbs strike a dexterous balance with wild strawberry, sour cherry on the nose. The cherries and strawberry sweeten with notes of raspberry jam. Bitter, earthy underbrush and grippy tannins form a firm foundation for aging.

The Altesino 2019 Brunello di Montalcino boasts a rich and savory side that this wine wears very well. There is a beautiful level of dark fruit that folds into the wine's velvety texture. Blackberry and plum envelop the palate, adding elegant full-bodied volume and fine tannins along the way. The wine is aged in traditional Slavonian casks, and production reaches 110,000 bottles annually (which is very ambitious considering this level of quality).