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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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.Inc. GSTSG$621.76 -
Wine Advocate (95)
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).Inc. GSTSG$668.63 -
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.Inc. GSTSG$813.60 -
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.Inc. GSTSG$771.68 -
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.Inc. GSTSG$811.42 -
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.Inc. GSTSG$796.16 -
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.Inc. GSTSG$768.89 -
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.Inc. GSTSG$1,754.73 -
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.Inc. GSTSG$1,397.84 -
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.Inc. GSTSG$933.50
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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.In BondSG$513.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
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).In BondSG$556.00 -
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.In BondSG$689.00 -
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.In BondSG$671.00 -
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.In BondSG$687.00 -
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.In BondSG$673.00 -
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.In BondSG$646.00 -
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.In BondSG$1,495.00 -
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.In BondSG$1,225.00 -
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.In BondSG$799.00