"The 2019s from Altesino are some of the best new releases I can remember tasting at this address." - Eric Guido, Vinous
It should come as no surprise that Montalcino's stupendous 2019 vintage turned out some amazing wines at the storied Altesino estate. The Brunello normale is once again a razor-sharp buy, "among the denomination's best values" according to Michaela Morris of Decanter, but the estate's flagship bottlings have truly reached epic heights in this soon-to-be-legendary vintage.
Racking up an impressive 98-point score from Wine Spectator, the 2019 Altesino Riserva is a powerhouse in every sense. It was sourced almost entirely from the estate's southernmost Pianezzine vineyard, resulting in "a rousing interplay of dark earthy nuance ... with sweet, luscious fruits," as described by Decanter. The 2019 is a concentrated and robust cellar contender that will cruise along with the vintage's very best renditions thanks to a superbly crafted balance. As Spectator's Bruce Sanderson puts it, "The taut, driving structure, especially its bracing acidity, propels this red to the superlong aftertaste."Showing the incredible diversity of the estate, the 2019 Montosoli from the famous hill in the north of the appellation is no less impressive, with four 97-point scores on its card. As Eric Guido notes, "The 2019 is seamless and harmonious ... Montosoli terroir at its very best, and even at this early stage, it's impossible to resist pouring another glass."
By now, the 2019 Brunello vintage is on everyone's radar, and as the Riservas and single-vineyard bottlings come to market and critics shower their accolades, collectors will surely be in frenzy to stock up on the top performers. So, when we found this benchmark bottlings at some of the market's best prices, we jumped in with both feet, and you'll surely want to do the same.
This is fluid and starts out supple, evoking cherry, plum and forest floor flavors, with flashes of tar and pine. The taut, driving structure, especially its bracing acidity, propels this red to the superlong aftertaste. Dense, resonant tannins define the finish, which feels compact now despite the unabashed length. Best from 2029 through 2048. 1,000 cases made, 350 cases imported.
98 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (Mar 2025)
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