AltesinoBrunello di Montalcino Riserva 2015

The Altesino 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (with 10,000 bottles made) shows a tight and firm delivery with the abundant fruit and the generous richness that is associated with this warm and sunny vintage. The wine is fermented in steel vats and ages in Slavonian oak casks for three years. The tannins are nicely integrated, however the wine's solid structure will carry it forward over the years.

With its mesmerizing and utterly classic bouquet, the 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva lifts from the glass, mixing crushed black cherry, plum and leathery aromas with notes of sage, lavender and violets. The textures are silky-smooth, enveloping the palate in vibrant red and hints of blue fruit, as salty minerals, spice and rosy florals build toward the close. Its tannins are firm, yet there’s plenty of primary intensity to balance, along with cooling herbal tones that add refreshing lift. One of the more successful Riservas of the vintage, the 2015 is produced from a selection made throughout Altesino’s vineyards. It's matured in a mix of 3,000 to 10,000-liter Slavonian oak barrels for two years prior to bottling.

-- Eric Guido

A very pretty Brunello now with sweet berry, orange-peel and cedar aromas and flavors. It’s full-bodied, yet refined and relatively soft with silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Fine tannins. Drink or hold.