2012 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino
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Tasting notes
Altesino is now celebrating the release of its 40th harvest. In fact, the 2012 Brunello di Montalcino is inscribed with the words "our 40th Harvest" in gold letters on its front label. This is a truly delicious wine that exceeds my expectations. I love the way it takes full command of the slightly bolder and more opulent dark fruit aromas produced in this hot vintage. Black cherry, plum and crème de cassis converge on the bouquet. Grilled herb, forest floor, licorice and exotic spice play supporting roles. The finish offers moderate acidity on the Sangiovese scale. This means the wine is mush fresher and more tonic than most Tuscan reds. The finish is long and silky.
Critic scores
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Mid ruby with bright orange tinges. Exotic, lifted cassis nose and almost as if it has a little VA. Hugely aromatic cassis and raspberry-fruit palate. Fantastic crunch, zest and length, but needs to settle. Right now this is a little atypical. (WS)
Lustrous and just mid ruby. Very bright and lifted raspberry nose. Juicy and lifted, almost like it has a little VA so bright is the raspberry fruit. Quite light on the palate, and more like a Rosso. (WS)
About the producer
Altesino is one of the top producers in Brunello di Montalcino. The estate is famous for bottling the first separate Cru from the Montosoli hill, which has since become widely recognised for its distinct, elegant style of Brunello.