2004 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino
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Tasting notes
A vivid mix of rum-soaked cherries combines with a burst of Christmas spice, flowery underbrush and hints of worn leather as the 2004 Brunello di Montalcino slowly awakens in the glass. Surprisingly fresh. this boasts a core of ripe red fruits with silty minerals and nuances of licorice, all driven by brisk acidity. It finishes with medium length, leaving earthy shadings of fall leaves and spiced citrus rinds. Perfect maturity. The best part? The 2004 clocks in at just 13.5% alcohol.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Medium red. Exotic, enticing nose throws off notes of apricot, grapefruit, mango and mint: not your everyday Brunello! Then sexy, fresh and penetrating, with strong acidity accentuated by firm minerality. Intriguing and idiosyncratic, in a distinctly northerly style for Brunello.
Dark with a broad rusty, almost orange, rim. Very evolved indeed on the nose – almost smells rusty! A lack of freshness. Awkward, rustic tannins on the finish but the fruit already seems in retreat. (JR)
The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino offers up dark fruit, grilled herbs, tobacco, leather, licorice and sweet herbs in a mid-weight style. The tannins are elegant and refined throughout, only slight elements of greenness keep the score from going higher.
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.