Altesino Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli 2017

97 points James Suckling: "Super clean black fruit and minerals on the nose and palate. Floral and herbal nuances, too. Medium-to full-bodied with very fine tannins and a long finish. This is super-clean, long and balanced. Despite the difficult vintage, Montosoli shows its class. One of the wines of the vintage. Best from 2024. (1/3/22)"

95 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "[$125 list] This is one of the icon wines of Montalcino and one of the bottles that best captures the character of this prized vineyard cru. Altesino farms 4.5 hectares in Montosoli at 350 meters in elevation with galestro soils. The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli is darkly concentrated and rich. It shows an almost creamy consistency that was not easy to achieve in this hot vintage that tends to underline tannic power and alcohol. Instead, this wine offers a steady stream of dark fruit flavors that transition to spice, leather and sweet tobacco. Production is limited to 15,000 bottles. Drink: 2024-2043. (2/17/22)"

95 points Bruce Sanderson (Wine Spectator): "This concentrated red is saturated by black currant, blackberry and blueberry flavors, with notes of iron, tar, tobacco and wild herbs chiming in as it evolves toward the long finish. So fresh and fruity, it's hard to believe this is a 2017 if not for the stiff tannins. Shows superb balance and complexity. Best from 2025 through 2045. 1,415 cases made, 250 cases imported. (6/30/22)"

95 points International Wine Report: "The 2017 Montosoli Brunello di Montalcino opens with alluring aromas of fresh red berries, floral, mint, spices and a subtle hint of leather which all emerge with air. This is a beautifully made wine with remarkable overall balance and precision. It continues to impress with its gorgeous texture and fine velvety tannins that wonderful purity all the way through the pretty finish. This is fabulous bottle Brunello, but patience will be required, as this is ultimately an age worthy wine, which should continue to evolve gracefully over the next decade. The Montosoli Cru from Altesino always shines bright, and there is no exception in this vintage. Drink 2027-2048 (May 2022)"

94+ points Eric Guido (Vinous): "The aromatics alone are worth the price of entry on the 2017 Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli. A dazzling display is revealed as this opens like a basket of freshly picked flowers with ripe strawberries, cloves and a hint of plum sauce that adds gravitas. Its elegance is nicely matched by a balanced inner sweetness, as mineral-tinged red berries are contrasted by hints of sour citrus and savory spice. Fine tannins mount, yet are almost imperceptible until the finish, where notes of blood orange mingle with licorice and inner rose. In a word, spellbinding. While some cellaring will be needed, I expect the 2017 Montosoli to enjoy a broad, open and highly pleasurable drinking window. Drink: 2024-2032. (Dec 2021)"

94 points Falstaff Guide: "Brilliant, rich ruby red with a fine garnet shimmer. Very clear and fruity nose, fresh, with notes of raspberry and dark cherry and a slight hint of fennel in the background. Round and supple on the attack and finish, grippy tannins with a fine melting texture, full-bodied, beautiful pressure on the finish. (3/18/22)"