Brunello di Montalcino Altesino 2016 (750ML)

95 Points, James Suckling: "Fresh violet, forest-floor and some pear-skin aromas, underneath brambleberries. Fresher style of Brunello. It's medium-bodied with silky tannins and a great balance between fresh-fruit and forest flavors. Drink after 2023."

96 Points, Raffaele Vecchione, International Wine Report: "Delicately reveals its essence in the floral features of hibiscus, agapanthus, flowering geraniums and hydrangeas. In the background, the maturity highlights in the gentle notes of cherries and rose petals. Medium-full body, silky tannins, and a compressed brilliant finish vivacity. Better from 2021."

95 points, Luca Gardini, Gardini Notes: "Nice floral profile also for this ‘entry level’ of Altesino. Small red fruits on the nose, currants and raspberries, then violet petals. After, an agreeable officinal spiciness from fresh marjoram. Juicy and crisp mouth. Salty tannins and fruity aftertaste." 03/21

95 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator: “Balsamic aromas of wild thyme, juniper, eucalyptus and pine lead off, with cherry and plum fruit at the core. There’s latent energy that’s restrained for now by the grip of tannins, yet this is lithe and nimble despite the solid structure. Best from 2024 through 2045. 10,000 cases made.” 03/21

92 Points, Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast: "This polished red opens with aromas recalling violet, wild berry, forest floor and new leather. On the bright, savory palate, lithe, fine-grained tannins accompany spiced cranberry, pomegranate, blood orange and vanilla before finishing on bitter almond. Fresh acidity keeps it light on its feet. Drink 2023–2031."

95+ Points, Audrey Frick, jebdunnuck.com: "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."

95+ Points, Monica Larner, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Bold cherry, dried raspberry and myrtle add to the intensity and the brightness of the bouquet. The Altesino 2016 Brunello di Montalcino displays a lively and fruit-forward ensemble with an infectious and cheerful sense of energy. This is a tonic and crisp expression of Sangiovese with lifted berry aromas backed by subtle spice, tar and licorice gained over two years of barrel aging. This is a 110,000-bottle release (and a good buy for Brunello)." 11/20

94 Points, Eric Guido, Vinous: "Remarkably pretty and poised yet packed full of potential, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino lifts with grace and elegance, showing dusty roses, wild strawberry, white smoke and hints of wet stone. It’s silky and refined, with cooling acids and minerals giving way to savory red berries and spice. Energy remains high, even as fine tannins create a classically dry and youthful expression, tapering off to violet florals, mocha and a hint of licorice that seems to linger for well over a minute. This is deceptively drinkable today, yet it has all of the necessary components to gain in weight and complexity over a decade or more of cellaring." 11/20