Altesino : Montosoli 2018

A dense, tannic red, with plum, cherry, menthol, iron and spice flavors driven by lively acidity. A bit more burly than many 2018s, yet this remains vibrant, superlong and complex. Best from 2025 through 2040. 1,150 cases made, 175 cases imported.

Harvested between the end of September and the beginning of October, Altesino’s Montosoli bottling was reduced by 50% due to a strict selection of grapes. The nose reveals appealing vanilla, cedar and truffle nuances that meld beautifully with sweet forest-berry flavours. Fine-grained tannins are still tight and firm, corseting the admirably concentrated core. It will show more of its charms with further bottle age. Maturation is in 30hl Slavonian and Allier oak casks.

This has a complex nose of cranberries, dried pineapple, soy, bark, cardamom, mocha, iodine and wet leather. Full-bodied, with firm and very fine tannins. It really builds in intensity, expanding into a broad array of fresh and dried fruit and espresso bean, before converging again on a long and driven finish. Fantastic already. Try now or in a couple of years.

The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli is dark and brooding, with a lavender-tinged mix of crushed rocks, dusty cherry, curry leaf and hints of balsamic spice. It’s delicate, with balanced inner sweetness and smooth contours, showing vividly ripe wild blackberry and even hints of blueberry fruit. It leaves a staining of primary concentration, like liquid violets, yet finishes only lightly structured and wonderfully perfumed. The magic of Montosoli shines through, but don’t expect the 2018 to make old bones. Production was down by 20% due to a more-severe selection of grapes in 2018.

Attractive smoky perfume lifts from the 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli, with sunny red plum, anise, lavender, and cedar. It is full-bodied, with a refined tannin structure, and a bit more wood influence that will integrate nicely in time. Offering notes of black cherry, licorice, crushed stones, and warming spice, it displays a broader nature compared to the rest of the range, which is to be expected from this iconic site with a somewhat warmer, south-facing exposition. Drink 2025-2045.

The 2018 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli is Altesino's single-vineyard wine from a 5-hectare site on the Montesoli hillside in the northern part of the DOCG. It sits at 350–400 meters altitude and has marl and limestone soils. The wine has a bright, medium-deep ruby color. The aromas are of clear, bright red cherry interlaced with smoke, truffle, dark earth notes, and gentle, sweet spice. On the palate the tannins are grippy but fine-textured, accompanied by bright acidity that lends freshness and a long finish. Altesino’s style has become more refined in recent vintages, and I like how this wine is now much more elegant.