Altesino 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli DOCG Tuscany Italy

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97 Points James Suckling - 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.

94+ Points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate - The word "Vigna" has been added to the official name of this wine to underline work in the appellation meant to focus on single-vineyard designates. The Altesino 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli comes from a unique growing site with some of the best exposures from hillside vineyards. This wine shows a slightly dark hue with added concentration and depth. I am delighted by the bouquet that reveals dark cherry, blue flower, crushed stone and grilled herb. There is sweet toast and spice at the back. This is one of the more complete and age-worthy wines from the 2018 vintage. However, my biggest hesitation is the very high 15% alcohol content of this 13,000-bottle release.

94 Points Vinous - The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli is ark and brooding with a lavender-tinged mix of crushed rocks, dusty cherry, curry leaf and hints of balsamic spice. It’s delicate with a balanced inner sweetness and smooth contours, showing vividly ripe wild blackberry, and even hints of blueberry fruit. It leaves a staining of primary concentration, like liquid violets, yet finishes only lightly structured and wonderfully perfumed. The magic of Montosoli shines through, but don’t expect the 2018 to make old bones. Production was down by 20% due to a more-severe selection of grapes in 2018.

94 Points Wine Spectator - A dense, tannic red, with plum, cherry, menthol, iron and spice flavors driven by lively acidity. A bit more burly than many 2018s, yet this remains vibrant, superlong and complex. Best from 2025 through 2040. 1,150 cases made, 175 cases imported.

94 Points Decanter - Harvested between the end of September and beginning of October, Altesino’s Montosoli bottling was reduced by 50% due to a strict selection of grapes. The nose divulges appealing vanilla, cedar and truffle nuances which meld beautifully with sweet forest berry flavours. Fine-grained tannins are still tight and firm, corseting the admirably concentrated core. It will show more of its charms with further bottle age. Maturation is in 30hl Slavonian and Allier oak casks.

98 Points Luca Gardini - The magnificent modern interpretation of a cru which has been vinified as such since 1975. A Brunello of amazing crispness and elegance, with notes of wild blueberries, touches of clementina and marjoram. Great freshness and juiciness to the palate, with iodine-brackish tannins. Fruity-floral finish.