A lively Brunello with aromas of plums, ripe cherries, cedar and teak that follow through to a medium body with fine tannins and a crisp finish. Crunchy and linear. Lovely energy at the end. Drink or hold.
95 points, James Suckling (Dec 2025)
The Altesino 2021 Brunello di Montalcino was a little shy when I tasted it, but knowing the track record of this estate, I have no doubt that the wine will flesh out with bottle age. Give it a year or two more. The bouquet offers blackcurrant and wild berry with a dark mineral note and grilled herb. Pressed violet also rises to the top of the wine, which is firmly structured and very lively in terms of mouthfeel. This popular release of 110,000 bottles ages in Slavonian oak casks only.
94+ points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Jan 2026)
The 2021 Brunello Di Montalcino pours a bright red hue and opens with citrus-tinged aromatics of tangerine, red cherries, dried herbs, and pressed flowers. Medium-bodied, it has a focused, linear feel on the palate, with well-defined tannins, brisk acidity, and a salty, mouthwatering finish. Drink this vibrant, classic effort over the coming 15 years. Drink 2026-2041.
94 points, Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck (Feb 2026)
The flavors of black cherry, blackberry and black currant are pure, with accents of violet, wild herbs and earth. This is smooth, picking up chalky tannins as the flavors build to the lengthy conclusion. Best from 2028 through 2045. 9,200 cases made, 3,100 cases imported.
94 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (Mar 2026)
The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino mixes violet and lavender tones before settling on stemmed wild strawberries. It is remarkably fresh and fruit-forward, with a core of tantalizing acidity elevating depths of ripe red and blue fruits. This finishes with staining length and edgy tannins, leaving a raspberry concentration and nuances of autumnal spice.
93 points, Eric Guido, Vinous (Nov 2025)
For the estate Brunello, Altesino draws on components from 50ha spread out over seven distinct pockets of Montalcino. Aged in large Slavonian oak casks, it proposes scents of cinnamon, forest brush and walnut. Packed with both dark wild berries and red cherry compote, this remains savoury rather than sweet. It is tightly knit in structure with just enough concentration and brawn. Tannins are well defined and provide a dry, chalky bite on the finish.
93 points, Michaela Morris, Decanter (Nov 2025)
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