The 2003 Brunello di Montalcino Altero offers attractive density as flowers, spices, ripe red fruit, chocolate and sweet toasted oak flow from the glass. The wine possesses outstanding nuance and complexity. In this vintage the use of smaller French oak barrels is somewhat penalizing as it accentuates the hard, unripe tannins that are already present in the fruit. As is often the case, the Altero presents a more immediate, rounder style than the regular bottling, but it also develops faster once opened. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900

Beautiful and perfumed, with blackberry and black cherry aromas. Full-bodied and long, with chewy tannins. Very fresh and balanced. Best after 2010. 2,780 cases made, 650 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add

This vineyard selection offers a compact and clean aromatic package that hits all the right notes without being overdone. Blackberry, cherry, vanilla and spice chime in on the palate and help drive the wine’s long, chewy finish.——M.L.(5/1/2009)—— 91