2009 Brunello di Montalcino Altesino 300 cl.

The 2009 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino is a very pretty showing. It brings intense aromas of blackberries, plums, juniper, exotic spices, orange zest and dried floral, which all come together and leap from the glass. This is nicely balanced and well structured with wonderful clarity and soft, silky tannins that carry over beautifully onto the finish. A fantastic Brunello from Altesino, but allow it another year or two of bottle age, or some extended air contact at the very least for it to be at its best. (Best 2016-2024).

Concentrated ruby with orange rim. Minty, herb liqueur and cherry nose. Real Sangiovese bite and life on the palate. Good tannic structure to support the fruit. Ends just a little dry but may improve with bottle age. (WS)

Altesino's vineyards in the far north of the DOCG really come into their own in warm vintages like 2009. This is fresh and even a little minty with notes of tobacco, sweet raspberry and savoury spice. It's more backward than many 2009s, with well integrated tannins, marked acidity, a touch of leafy greenness and a core of supple fruit. Typical of the Altesino style, this will age much better than most 2009s. 2015-22.

Fabulous aromas of sliced tangerines and blueberries follow through to a full body, with velvety tannins and a juicy, ripe-fruit finish. Drink or hold.

The 2009 Brunello di Montalcino is loaded tight with fresh berry aromas and crushed flower followed by measured leather and spice. The wine ages for 30 months in large oak cask. There is a touch of heat (the back label lists 14.5% alcohol) that is only just discernable, happily, that power is nicely wrapped within the fleshy, opulent mouthfeel. Of special note are those distinct floral aromas that make a strong second showing on the finish. Some 90,000 bottles were produced. Drink: 2017-2025.

Structured but poised, it opens with balsamic aromas of menthol, red berries, blue flower, Asian spices and a hint of new leather. The succulent palate offers dark cherry accented with notes of mint, lemon sage and chocolate alongside polished tannins and just enough freshness. It's delicious and already approachable so enjoy soon. - K.O.

30 mdr. i større Botti med druer fra fire forskellige marker. Meget urtet og blomstret næse. I smagen brombær, skovbund, blomster, krydderier og lakrids. En del tørre tanniner i afslutningen så dekanter eller bedre gem nogle år.

Man kan have sine bange anelser med en Brunello di Montalcino til 139,95 kr (tilbudspris), for navnet garanterer ikke høj kvalitet - kun høje priser. Men kvaliteten er faktisk her flot i top, den lave pris til trods. Den er ganske vist stadig ung og utæmmet, men bag de markante tanniner gemmer der sig en vin med stort potentiale, som kræver lidt tid i kælderen for at udfolde sig helt. Mørk næse med toner af våd kælder og monstrøs mund med oceaner af ristede kaffebønner, tobak, lakrids og peber. Køb en kasse, drik en enkelt flaske nu og gem de øvrige nogle år i kælderen.

Et ret godt glas vin til en beskeden pris. Glem, hvordan de store brunello smager, for de koster også meget mere end det her ret ukomplicerede glas, der ikke desto mindre har nogle indsmigrende noter af noget større..

Fin duft af jord, tomat, fuglekirsebær, skovbund og ikke mindst animalske toner. Smagen er præget af modne kirsebær, et let fapræg, stramme tanniner og en markant bitterhed. En lidt rå toscansk bonde - ikke en elegant florentinsk adelsmand. Den kalder helt klart på mad.