Altesino Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli 2018

98 POINTS: Luca Gardini, Gardini-Notes  
97 POINTS: Heiner Lobenberg   
97 POINTS: James Suckling
97 POINTS: Wine Direct
96 POINTS: James Suckling
94+POINTS: Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
Highly Recommended, 5 Stars, Wine Direct

100% Sangiovese
Cru Vineyard: The “Montosoli” hills, 380m a.s.l.
Soil: Marly limestone and siliceous limestone representing the Alberese era with lithoid components dating from the same period. 
Ageing: 4 years (a minimum of 2 years in Slavonian oak barrels) and 3/4 months in the medium toasted Allier barriques and 4 months in bottle)

"The Montosoli, together with the version of its neighbors from the winery Valdicava , was one of the first single vineyards in Montalcino bottled separately. The first vintage was 1975, and after fermentation in steel tanks, it is aged for three years in large Slavonian wooden barrels, and then another two years in bottle. Deep ruby red with fine orange reflections. Stylistically classic, but a much more delicate version compared to the ultra-intense version from Valdicava . Fresh tar plays on the nose with ripe red cherries and also pickled cherries of all kinds. Dried potpourri, bitter orange peel and essential herbs like rosemary and sage. Also very fine and fragrant in the mouth with juicy sweet red cherries, graphite and cedar. This is a classic that combines finesse and elegance."
— 97 Points, Heiner Lobenberg

"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."
— 97 Points, James Suckling

"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."
— 96 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

“The word "Vigna" has been added to the official name of this wine to underline work in the appellation meant to focus on single-vineyard designates. The Altesino 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli comes from a unique growing site with some of the best exposures from hillside vineyards. This wine shows a slightly dark hue with added concentration and depth. I am delighted by the bouquet that reveals dark cherry, blue flower, crushed stone and grilled herb. There is sweet toast and spice at the back. This is one of the more complete and age-worthy wines from the 2018 vintage.”
— 94+ Points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate

“Altesino Montosoli is one of Italy's first ever Single Vineyard 'Cru' wines produced. Located at the top of Altesino's highest elevated vineyards, the prestigious Montosoli Cru where ancient limestone soils with the 360 degree exposure combine to yield a Brunello of exceptional style and elegance. This is always one of the most sought after wines from Montalcino, and it's consistency is a constant marvel.”
— Highly Recommended, 5 Stars, Wine Direct

15% ABV