2015 Brunello di Montalcino Altero
Buying options
Tasting notes
One of the first things I notice in the 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Altero is the increased richness or concentration (especially compared to the estate's classic Brunello from the same vintage). That wine is slightly more streamlined and contoured compared to the Altero that wears a heavier mantle made with thicker fiber and texture. This impression is especially evident on the bouquet where you pick up a hint of extra softness or ripeness that comes thanks to this warm vintage. The bouquet offers sensations of dried cherry skin or plum with sweet spice and moist potting soil. If you love classic Brunello, I would recommend the estate's annata expression. The Altero is more contemporary and international instead. Some 15,000 bottles were made. The bottles were filled in July 2018 and released in January 2020.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Deep ruby. Ripe and solid fruit with soft zesty acidity and ripe chewy tannins. This really grows on you. Needs more time, but showing fantastic balance. Very long and elegant, with medium-bodied palate weight and wonderfully transparent. (WS)
Taught nose, cranberry and damson fruit. Lots of freshness here, lots of acidity and drinkability. There is a sweetness to the fruit, and supported by fine tannins. A step up. (AC)
A beautiful cascade of blue and darker fruit precedes generous, enticing notes of saffron, dried orange rind, cumin, roasted thyme and nutmeg. Balanced and tightly framed on the medium-to full-bodied palate with mouthwatering fruit and crunchy acidity, coloring an ornately woven structure of silky tannins. Very long and velvety on the finish. Everything is where it should be. Drink from 2025.