Altesino Brunello di Montalcino 2020

95 James Suckling Very pretty and floral with raspberries and black cherries on the nose, as well as violet undertones. Medium-bodied with chewy tannins, though integrated and polished. Long, intense finish. Extremely well done for the vintage. Drink after 2026, but already solid.

95 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Opening to earthy tones of brimstone and petrichor, the Altesino 2020 Brunello di Montalcino shows the character of a house style that is easily recognized. This elegant wine offers a polished and smooth mouthfeel with finely tuned tannins. The oak is also expertly managed to show some light spice that is deeply integrated into a silky mouthfeel. Of the village Brunellos I tasted from 2020, this one offers excellent quality and will prove easily to locate thanks to its ample release of 110,000 bottles.

93 Jeb Dunnuck The 2020 Brunello Di Montalcino is a deep red color and is fresh with ripe aromas of raspberry coulis, crushed flowers, leather, graphite, and hints of mocha. Medium to full-bodied, it has a fleshy texture, with balanced acidity, and a good finish. It has more immediacy but a light, clean, gamey richness.

93 Wine Spectator This is supple and juicy, bursting with cherry, strawberry, mineral and wild herb flavors. Vibrant and backed by dense, refined tannins that leave a firm grip on the lingering aftertaste. Best from 2027 through 2043.

92 Decanter With vineyards in virtually every quadrant of Montalcino, Altesino can shape the blend according to the vintage. As some of their northern plots struggled in 2020’s heat, the backbone for this comes from vineyards in the south, and there is also a dollop from young plantings on the hill of Montosoli. An immediately engaging nose proposes preserved red cherry, plum, cinnamon and carob. Evocative nuances of Mediterranean woodlands weave throughout. There is a sunny, sumptuous ripeness to the palate, but it remains well-behaved as sandy textured tannins firm up the edges.

92 Vinous The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino entices the taster with a gorgeous bouquet of fresh strawberries and plums accentuated by sweet herbs and hints of exotic spice. It's soft, round and quite lifted in feel, with vividly pure red berry fruits underscored by a core of brisk acidity. Energy remains high throughout, leaving a tinge of steely minerality and sweet tannins that frame the experience nicely.