Brunello di Montalcino Altesino 2016 (3L)

97 Points, Jeb Dunnuck: "Montosoli lies above the morning fog line, allowing for greater exposure to the morning sun, and was the first single vineyard designated wine in Montalcino’s history with its first vintage in 1975. The 2016 takes all the components of the estate Brunello and is amplified with concentrated raspberry coulis, sage, and rose petal. Once again, there is tremendous consistency from the nose to the palate, though here the structure is compact and will need additional time for those who shy away from grippy, building tannins. Drink over the next 20 years or more. Drink 2024-2042." 3/21

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

97 points, Kerin O’Keefe: Wine Enthusiast: “Rose, forest berry, underbrush and new leather are some of the aromas you'll find on this full-bodied red. From one of Montalcino's greatest vineyard sites, the firmly structured, elegant palate is also delicious, boasting ripe black cherry, raspberry compote, tobacco and licorice set against taut, fine-grained tannins. It's well balanced, with bright acidity. Drink 2024–2036.”

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."

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

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."

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