2016 Altesino Montosoli Brunello di Montalcino Tuscany 750 ml

Altesino’s Montosoli is one of the standout wines of any Brunello vintage. In a near-perfect year like 2016, it’s an icon in the making, full of power and poise—practically the embodiment of Tuscan nobility and one of the signature wines of the region.

With dual 97-point scores from Wine Spectator and James Suckling, the wine is a “true beauty” according to Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, “offering the best of what the celebrated Montosoli cru can offer.” That’s high praise, considering that same publication called Montosoli “perhaps the most celebrated single vineyard site in Montalcino.”

When Wine Spectator said that Altesino “has long been one of Montalcino's top producers,” the Montosoli bottling was at the front of their minds. It hails from a 13-acre hilltop site whose 360-degree exposure allows the Sangiovese grapes to ripen exquisitely. Furthermore, the vineyard is planted to a special selection of vines that are unique to Montosoli—they thrive here, but struggle in less perfectly exposed sites.

There’s an immeasurable buzz around the 2016 Brunellos, from a vintage Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate rated 98 points, and Vinous summed up as “Radiance Personified.” The fever is especially high regarding Brunello’s marquee producers—and none enjoys a higher place in the pantheon than Altesino. This is the perfect bottle to add to any collection, or to start building a collection around. 

Montosoli’s vines, which range from 20-40+ years of age, are planted in ancient Galestro soils, which imbue the wine with loads of spice, perfume, and mineral flavor. In other words, if Brunello di Montalcino had an official Grand Cru designation, Montosoli would assuredly be honored with that label.

Though located in a 14th century palazzo, Altesino is a young winegrowing estate by Tuscan standards: It was founded in 1970, and Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini acquired it in 2002. Since then, she and her winemaking team of Simone Giunti and Alessandro Ciacci have staked out a permanent position at the apex of the region, with their modern and innovative take on one of Italy’s most beloved denominaziones.

In that history, few of their wines stand out like the 2016. Wine Advocate rated the year higher even than the lauded 2015 growing season. Likewise, Vinous thinks it’s the best year since the legendary 2010’s, describing the wines of the vintage as “like a well-muscled black stallion in its prime.” 

Pouring the 2016, it immediately lives up to every grand expectation we had of it. Dark ruby-purple in the glass, there’s a blast of that classic Montosoli terroir on the nose: intense wild cherry, bright blackberry, sage, and hints of tobacco mingle with a delicate floral element that keeps you coming back for more. The palate is muscled, but taut, with a kaleidoscopic array of flavors that echo the nose and then some. It stops conversation, while at the same time begging for a long-cooked ragù to show off against.

The class, breeding, and power of the Montosoli is obvious and compelling. With its eye-catching combination of stunning vintage, top vineyard, and iconic producer, every Italian wine lover is racing to stock their cellar, though—so, make sure this legend-in-the-making is in yours.