Prior bottle was 14 months ago and this wine continue to show quite well. Black cherry, dark red cherry, earth, light spices and just a hint of tobacco on the nose. Between medium and full bodied and the general fruit profile was much the same as my prior bottle: black cherry upfront (showing a good amount of expressiveness), adding some brighter red cherry notes, then darker black cherry and plum through the middle. Finishes with a nice mix of fine grained tannins, acidity, lots of mineral qualities and light spices. What has improved (along the lines I'd hoped) was the wine continues to gain expressiveness upfront, show better balance, even clear elegance now through the middle and better integration between the mid-body and finish. The transition was quite harmonious and the finish showed good length. Feels like this is clearly at peak and while it can continue to improve marginally and certainly has several years left at this high level, it's probably best drunk over the next 2-3 years to get the most enjoyment from it.
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Amazing -- decanted for like 30 minutes and was ready to go! In perfect window. This is how you know it pays to age wine -- just that dirt/mineral with soft ripe fruits. Great Brunello
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Prior bottle was 16 months ago and this wine has incrementally improved along the lines I'd hoped. Accessible upon opening, but took 3, almost 4 hours open to reach it's full potential. Nose was similar to my prior bottle was lots of dark red cherry, earth and tobacco notes with spices and light tar behind. Still between medium and full bodied with mainly black cherry upfront with some red cherry highlights for complexity/contrast. Mid-body is bit more balanced and expressive than previously, while retaining good depth of fruit (black and red cherry with light plum behind). Tannins and acidity are both better integrated with the fruit than previously (particularly the acidity). Whereas my prior bottle felt a bit more primary and youthful with slightly more prominent structural qualities and younger fruit, this bottle was more along the lines of what I'd expect from w wine in its drinking window: balance and expression, tempered by structure. Should be able to maintain this level and perhaps show minor improvements; next bottle for me, Fall 2023.
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Dark red cherry, tobacco, earth, tar and spice notes on the nose. Between medium and full bodied (14% ABV) with dark red and black cherry upfront. Good depth through the middle, coupled with savory qualities and darker fruit notes, especially cherry and plum. Tannins provide good structure on the backside, while remaining in balance with the fruit. The acidity was initially not as well integrated, but after about 3-4 hours, had improved noticeably. To me, this wine feels like it's entering it's drinking window, not exiting it. The fruit still feels a touch primary and the structure qualities were more in charge when the bottle was first opened. Showing quite well now, but with additional cellar time, I'd expect more integration and perhaps even some refined elegance through the middle. Has the fruit, acidity to tannins to improve so I'll wait until Fall 2022 for my next bottle.
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Fremragende Brunello. Lækker mouthfeel - blød og rund med fint integrerede tanniner, god syre og perfekt drikkemoden. Flot vin i total balance. Gå endelig ombord, men ingen hast +3-5 år.
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First of 2 from a relatively recent auction purchase ($70@). Opened but not decanted with 1 oz pour, and it was immediately singing, completely integrated. I did let it sit for 30+ mins before pouring a glass, but tasting notes were consistent throughout nights 1 and 2. On the nose and palate, classic BdM notes of cherry, smoke, earth, pine needles, tobacco, tar and spice; the main difference between this and many other BdMs was the sweetness and strength of the fruit, both on an absolute level and as compared to the acidity and tannins. Dark purple with brown notes and slight bricking, medium to full bodied, medium+ legs. Medium+ acidity and silky tannins, very good persistence. I don't agree with other writers that this is "dumbed down" or that the fruit tastes like cherry Ludens, but I understand where they're coming from: this is a modern, vibrant, fruit-first BdM, the kind of wine I'd pour as a gateway drug for a drinker of cult cabs who wanted to be introduced to BdMs. At the same time, the wine shone with our homemade pizza, with the well-integrated acidity balancing out the food. This wine is right in its drinking window, but the degree of integration makes me think it's closer to the end than the start of that window. I'd buy more of this at what I paid, but I'd look to drink anything I bought, and will otherwise drink my remaining bottle, in the next year or so.
Huge nose, full of balsamic notes of potpourri, dark fruit and passion fruit. Quite full-bodied and lush on the palate, the tannin is fully resolved and this is at peak maturity though shows no signs of decline. Drink now-2025 93
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Decanted 2 h. Very good Brunello. Licorice, deep red fruit & mature nailpolish (if that exist) drinking very good now but will last 8 years more. 93p +
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If there was ever a fruit forward Brunello from Italy, this wine would be the one! While there are the typical notes of earth, grass and mushroom one normally tastes from Brunello’s, this wine has bright notes of expressive fruit. Almost “sweet” fruit, silky tannins with hints of lavendar and cassis make this one of the more approachable Brunellos I have tasted in some time.
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Wow, with only a relatively short (45 minute) double decant, this is showing VERY well! Huge nose of dried/preserved flowers, black fruits and jams and just LOADED with passion fruit. Medium-full bodied and already relatively supple, this is open and showy. Sweet fruits and lots of spices and freshly turned earth. This is perfectly balanced and a beautiful expression of Brunello. Drink Now-2026+ 95+
Agree with some of the other reviews here. Still needs 2-3 years. Getting ripe (Cassis,tobacco,smoke) But not at full potential yet. Has a very big upside once all characteristics come together.
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Opera Wine 2017 - 100 Great Producers (Verona, Italy): { OperaWine2017 } Borderline pedestrian. There are glimpses of freshness and purity, but, as with the other features here they seem masked, or dumbed-down in a way. Not sure what precisely they're doing in the cellar beyond what's published on a technical sheet, but there's serious room for improvement here (i.e. vineyard and cellar). Perhaps it was the grapes themselves, and that's why, in just the most recent years, it's (Montosoli) all been replanted. Would not recommend or purchase, too many other, exciting choices available.
Ad Hoc Tasting (Chez Moi): Beautiful showing. Lovely nose of red fruits, some tobacco. Beautiful sweetness on the palate, balanced by soft tannins and very good acidity. Drinking now.
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Perhaps still too young and wound too tightly, but the overall overextracted style for this vintage does not seem to work well for this producer. Not sure I'll like it a lot more in 10 years either, and that will not make it a good value for me.
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Altesino Winemaker Dinner (La Pizza Fresca Ristorante): Sweeter, more candied taste than a regular '08, somewhat generic, but hinting at potential for more complexity in the future. More rich and luxurious feel than ’08, with a dominant flavor of a soaked barrel, and red fruit, followed by a tinge of pine needle aromatics.
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NY Wine Experience 2014 (Marriot Marquis): a bit reduced to me. almost too sweet. wasn't expecting that. some cherry ludens in there. nice kick on the end of minerals.
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I cannot believe how approachable this was. Mushrooms, forest floor, tart cherry nose. Can sense some secondary development in the nose. Very well balanced, this is open for business, but probably has the stuffing to last for a long time.
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Retailer tasting: A beautiful and complex bouquet with red fruits and sweet spices, pleasant rustic impressions and some chocolate. On the palate very juicy fruits, a good balance between sweetness and acidity. Ready now and the next years.
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Tasted @ Vinitaly 2013. This somehow smells and taste like the big brother of the regular Brunello. Expressive nose of sweet dark cherries, licorice, tobacco, plums and some coffee/dark chocolate. Rich and dense texture, but without being heavy. Sweet tannins and some nice acidity. Overall a very classy und sophisticated Brunello despite its size.
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This classy Brunello is balanced and focused with wonderful purity and a lovely inner sweetness. The fine tannins make a graceful transition into the silky finish. A stunning wine from Altesino that truly shows the unique character and quality of the vineyard.
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3/3/2024 - Wino from Michigan wrote: 93 Points
Drinking so well - tannins have chilled and the wine is singing
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1/6/2024 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine: 93 Points
Prior bottle was 14 months ago and this wine continue to show quite well. Black cherry, dark red cherry, earth, light spices and just a hint of tobacco on the nose. Between medium and full bodied and the general fruit profile was much the same as my prior bottle: black cherry upfront (showing a good amount of expressiveness), adding some brighter red cherry notes, then darker black cherry and plum through the middle. Finishes with a nice mix of fine grained tannins, acidity, lots of mineral qualities and light spices. What has improved (along the lines I'd hoped) was the wine continues to gain expressiveness upfront, show better balance, even clear elegance now through the middle and better integration between the mid-body and finish. The transition was quite harmonious and the finish showed good length. Feels like this is clearly at peak and while it can continue to improve marginally and certainly has several years left at this high level, it's probably best drunk over the next 2-3 years to get the most enjoyment from it.
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12/9/2023 - Wino from Michigan wrote: 94 Points
Amazing -- decanted for like 30 minutes and was ready to go! In perfect window. This is how you know it pays to age wine -- just that dirt/mineral with soft ripe fruits. Great Brunello
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11/11/2022 - RGCM Gananda wrote: 93 Points
Prior bottle was 16 months ago and this wine has incrementally improved along the lines I'd hoped. Accessible upon opening, but took 3, almost 4 hours open to reach it's full potential. Nose was similar to my prior bottle was lots of dark red cherry, earth and tobacco notes with spices and light tar behind. Still between medium and full bodied with mainly black cherry upfront with some red cherry highlights for complexity/contrast. Mid-body is bit more balanced and expressive than previously, while retaining good depth of fruit (black and red cherry with light plum behind). Tannins and acidity are both better integrated with the fruit than previously (particularly the acidity). Whereas my prior bottle felt a bit more primary and youthful with slightly more prominent structural qualities and younger fruit, this bottle was more along the lines of what I'd expect from w wine in its drinking window: balance and expression, tempered by structure. Should be able to maintain this level and perhaps show minor improvements; next bottle for me, Fall 2023.
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9/5/2022 - carl.cornaglia@gmai.com wrote:
Gift for Carl Harris at his Palooza party 9/4/22
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3/4/2022 - Winiac wrote: 89 Points
Round mouthfeel with sweet ripe flavors. The wine is balanced and pleasant but flavors do not have the oomph.
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7/16/2021 - RGCM Gananda wrote: 93 Points
Dark red cherry, tobacco, earth, tar and spice notes on the nose. Between medium and full bodied (14% ABV) with dark red and black cherry upfront. Good depth through the middle, coupled with savory qualities and darker fruit notes, especially cherry and plum. Tannins provide good structure on the backside, while remaining in balance with the fruit. The acidity was initially not as well integrated, but after about 3-4 hours, had improved noticeably. To me, this wine feels like it's entering it's drinking window, not exiting it. The fruit still feels a touch primary and the structure qualities were more in charge when the bottle was first opened. Showing quite well now, but with additional cellar time, I'd expect more integration and perhaps even some refined elegance through the middle. Has the fruit, acidity to tannins to improve so I'll wait until Fall 2022 for my next bottle.
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5/10/2021 - Dinamarca wrote: 95 Points
Fremragende Brunello. Lækker mouthfeel - blød og rund med fint integrerede tanniner, god syre og perfekt drikkemoden. Flot vin i total balance. Gå endelig ombord, men ingen hast +3-5 år.
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2/6/2021 - Wino from Michigan wrote: 92 Points
Well balanced - this wine has softened -- drink now in good window
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7/12/2020 - RolfT wrote: 90 Points
Enjoyable and east drinking. Nose a little shy but did open up with air. Palate quite juicy and tasty. I liked, but was not wow'ed
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5/9/2020 - EricLi wrote: 92 Points
Well into its drinking window. Sfwinelover1’s note is spot on. I do like it freshness
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3/29/2020 - sfwinelover1 Likes this wine: 94 Points
First of 2 from a relatively recent auction purchase ($70@). Opened but not decanted with 1 oz pour, and it was immediately singing, completely integrated. I did let it sit for 30+ mins before pouring a glass, but tasting notes were consistent throughout nights 1 and 2. On the nose and palate, classic BdM notes of cherry, smoke, earth, pine needles, tobacco, tar and spice; the main difference between this and many other BdMs was the sweetness and strength of the fruit, both on an absolute level and as compared to the acidity and tannins. Dark purple with brown notes and slight bricking, medium to full bodied, medium+ legs. Medium+ acidity and silky tannins, very good persistence. I don't agree with other writers that this is "dumbed down" or that the fruit tastes like cherry Ludens, but I understand where they're coming from: this is a modern, vibrant, fruit-first BdM, the kind of wine I'd pour as a gateway drug for a drinker of cult cabs who wanted to be introduced to BdMs. At the same time, the wine shone with our homemade pizza, with the well-integrated acidity balancing out the food. This wine is right in its drinking window, but the degree of integration makes me think it's closer to the end than the start of that window. I'd buy more of this at what I paid, but I'd look to drink anything I bought, and will otherwise drink my remaining bottle, in the next year or so.
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3/23/2020 - Vinogan(s) Likes this wine: 92 Points
Elegant, leather, forest floor, coffee, fine acidity. Vivid and with character. Nice.
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3/21/2020 - Zooks7 Likes this wine: 85 Points
Fragrant but not floral nose, stone fruit on the start moving to spice with a berry finish. High acidity consistent throughout. Complex over all
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3/17/2020 - Kris G wrote: 92 Points
Color showing already some evolution but the tannins are still present. Juicy wine with a mineral acidity, leather, coffee and a touch of wood.
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2/19/2020 - SeaSmoke wrote: 93 Points
Decanted for 2 hours. Dark cherries, black fruit, herbs, and eucalyptus on the nose and palate. The tannins are mild - drinking well currently.
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12/28/2019 - WineGuyX Likes this wine: 93 Points
Huge nose, full of balsamic notes of potpourri, dark fruit and passion fruit. Quite full-bodied and lush on the palate, the tannin is fully resolved and this is at peak maturity though shows no signs of decline. Drink now-2025 93
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8/23/2019 - Plasmatini Likes this wine: 93 Points
Aromatic and elegant. Beautiful delicate aromas and fruit.
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6/29/2018 - Lewerentz Likes this wine:
Decanted 2 h. Very good Brunello. Licorice, deep red fruit & mature nailpolish (if that exist) drinking very good now but will last 8 years more. 93p +
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6/20/2018 - vancouvermatt wrote: 93 Points
$65 CAD at a restaurant in West Vancouver... very pleasently surprised when they brought this out.
Pop-n-pour with no decant, but drinking beautifully now.
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6/16/2018 - henrik33 wrote: 94 Points
Needed 2 hours in the decanter. Really showing nicely
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2/23/2018 - Thehappytourist79 wrote: 94 Points
Wow. Decanted for 2 hrs and was totally worth the wait.
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12/27/2017 - Schiffy Likes this wine: 94 Points
If there was ever a fruit forward Brunello from Italy, this wine would be the one! While there are the typical notes of earth, grass and mushroom one normally tastes from Brunello’s, this wine has bright notes of expressive fruit. Almost “sweet” fruit, silky tannins with hints of lavendar and cassis make this one of the more approachable Brunellos I have tasted in some time.
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12/22/2017 - WineGuyX Likes this wine: 95 Points
Wow, with only a relatively short (45 minute) double decant, this is showing VERY well! Huge nose of dried/preserved flowers, black fruits and jams and just LOADED with passion fruit. Medium-full bodied and already relatively supple, this is open and showy. Sweet fruits and lots of spices and freshly turned earth. This is perfectly balanced and a beautiful expression of Brunello. Drink Now-2026+ 95+
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10/10/2017 - R.Jos.Valent Likes this wine: 93 Points
Agree with some of the other reviews here. Still needs 2-3 years. Getting ripe (Cassis,tobacco,smoke) But not at full potential yet. Has a very
big upside once all characteristics come together.
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4/8/2017 - Tim Heaton wrote:
Opera Wine 2017 - 100 Great Producers (Verona, Italy): { OperaWine2017 } Borderline pedestrian. There are glimpses of freshness and purity, but, as with the other features here they seem masked, or dumbed-down in a way. Not sure what precisely they're doing in the cellar beyond what's published on a technical sheet, but there's serious room for improvement here (i.e. vineyard and cellar). Perhaps it was the grapes themselves, and that's why, in just the most recent years, it's (Montosoli) all been replanted. Would not recommend or purchase, too many other, exciting choices available.
https://www.ItalianWine.blog
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1/25/2017 - la turque wrote: 94 Points
Ad Hoc Tasting (Chez Moi): Beautiful showing. Lovely nose of red fruits, some tobacco. Beautiful sweetness on the palate, balanced by soft tannins and very good acidity. Drinking now.
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6/19/2016 - michaelkelley5@mac.com wrote:
Had on Fathers Day
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1/19/2016 - mxpbuy Likes this wine: 90 Points
Perhaps still too young and wound too tightly, but the overall overextracted style for this vintage does not seem to work well for this producer. Not sure I'll like it a lot more in 10 years either, and that will not make it a good value for me.
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1/19/2016 - AtoZ wrote:
Very ripe / modern and nothing like the 1995 to me.
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11/11/2015 - janthony20 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Definitely needed time to open. Decanted for 1-1.5hrs and was great. Nothing huge here, just nice balanced fruit. Good timing here.
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7/11/2015 - King Julien wrote: 94 Points
Drank at Ferraros Maui, opened up nicely an hour or so after decanting.
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3/2/2015 - swapdoc wrote:
Altesino Winemaker Dinner (La Pizza Fresca Ristorante): Sweeter, more candied taste than a regular '08, somewhat generic, but hinting at potential for more complexity in the future. More rich and luxurious feel than ’08, with a dominant flavor of a soaked barrel, and red fruit, followed by a tinge of pine needle aromatics.
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3/2/2015 - VinoKim wrote:
Plum color. Nose of roses, dark cherries, herbal, eucalyptus, Salumi/meaty, tomato leaf. Soft tannins - very approachable. Delicious!
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1/9/2015 - rjonwine@gmail.com wrote: 92 Points
Medium red violet color; reduction, balsamic, dried red berry nose; tasty, silky textured, balsamic, dried red berry, reduction, dried cherry, dried raspberry, charcoal palate; needs 5 years; medium-plus finish
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10/17/2014 - lolo66 wrote: 89 Points
NY Wine Experience 2014 (Marriot Marquis): a bit reduced to me. almost too sweet. wasn't expecting that. some cherry ludens in there. nice kick on the end of minerals.
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6/13/2014 - AWBryce Likes this wine: 93 Points
I cannot believe how approachable this was. Mushrooms, forest floor, tart cherry nose. Can sense some secondary development in the nose. Very well balanced, this is open for business, but probably has the stuffing to last for a long time.
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10/21/2013 - Zweder wrote: 91 Points
Retailer tasting: A beautiful and complex bouquet with red fruits and sweet spices, pleasant rustic impressions and some chocolate. On the palate very juicy fruits, a good balance between sweetness and acidity. Ready now and the next years.
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4/7/2013 - NostraBacchus Likes this wine: 93 Points
Tasted @ Vinitaly 2013. This somehow smells and taste like the big brother of the regular Brunello. Expressive nose of sweet dark cherries, licorice, tobacco, plums and some coffee/dark chocolate. Rich and dense texture, but without being heavy. Sweet tannins and some nice acidity. Overall a very classy und sophisticated Brunello despite its size.
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3/30/2013 - InternationalWineReport wrote:
This classy Brunello is balanced and focused with wonderful purity and a lovely inner sweetness. The fine tannins make a graceful transition into the silky finish. A stunning wine from Altesino that truly shows the unique character and quality of the vineyard.
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