Altesino Montosoli Brunello di Montalcino 1988

92/100 PP

"The 1988 Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli is superb. It offers outstanding density and richness, tremendous body, and a massive constitution. There are copious amounts of curranty, tobacco-tinged, rich fruit, as well as considerable glycerin, alcohol, and tannin in the finish. Although approachable, it is far from full maturity. Drink it between 1998-2025. A top-notch producer, Altesino has once again turned out a bevy of super wines."
(Robert M. Parker, Jr., robertparker.com)

"The extra attention the company put behind Brunello is also revealed in the concept of introducing the Cru: Montosoli is in fact a vineyard of about 5 hectares to the north east of Montalcino at an altitude between 350 and 400 metres, whose grapes were fermented and aged separately for the first time after the 1975 harvest. The composition of the soil (marly limestone and siliceous limestone representing the Alberese era with lithoid components dating from the same period), the unique position and particular microclimate contribute to ageing the grapes which produce an extremely complex and elegant wine. Brunello Montosoli has a deep ruby red colour which turns a garnet red with age. Its bouquet has outstanding character with hints of black cherry, blackberries, raspberries, violet, liquorice, vanilla and a slight accent of pink peppercorn. On the palate it reveals a dry, warm, velvety flavour, rich in substance and noble pedigree, ending with a warm note that lingers persuasively. Altesino has received important international recognition for its Cru Montosoli when Wine Spectator called it Italy’s second most representative vineyard."
(Altesino)