2015 Poggio Antico "Altero" Brunello di Montalcino
SKU #1490223
97 points
James Suckling
A beautiful cascade of blue and darker fruit precedes generous, enticing notes of saffron, dried orange rind, cumin, roasted thyme and nutmeg. Balanced and tightly framed on the medium-to full-bodied palate with mouthwatering fruit and crunchy acidity, coloring an ornately woven structure of silky tannins. Very long and velvety on the finish. Everything is where it should be.
(9/2019)
94 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
One of the first things I notice in the 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Altero is the increased richness or concentration (especially compared to the estate's classic Brunello from the same vintage). That wine is slightly more streamlined and contoured compared to the Altero that wears a heavier mantle made with thicker fiber and texture. This impression is especially evident on the bouquet where you pick up a hint of extra softness or ripeness that comes thanks to this warm vintage. The bouquet offers sensations of dried cherry skin or plum with sweet spice and moist potting soil. If you love classic Brunello, I would recommend the estate's annata expression. The Altero is more contemporary and international instead. Some 15,000 bottles were made. The bottles were filled in July 2018 and released in January 2020. (ML)
(1/2020)
92 points
Wine Enthusiast
Aromas of underbrush, new leather, camphor and tobacco leaf lead the way along with a whiff of ripe plum. The rounded full-bodied palate evokes dried cherry, crushed mint, vanilla and a hint of coffee bean alongside taut fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity. (KO)
(5/2020)
92 points
Wine Spectator
Featuring black cherry, black currant and dark plum flavors, this red is intense and broad-shouldered. Big tannins line the finish, yet this remains fresh, finding equilibrium in an oversized way. (BS)
(6/2020)
91 points
Decanter
With an eye towards the Tuscan coast, Poggio Antico's vineyards reach over 500 metres above sea level, and these breezy heights gave some reprieve to the vines in the warm 2015 vintage. Altero, which is a selection of the best barrels, demonstrates restrained perfumes of dried violets and lavender, red plum and fresh earth. The palate is full of succulent, plump fruit and polished, chewy tannins . Immediately seductive but with plenty of stuffing, freshness and balance, ensuring at least a decade of enjoyment. (MM)
(2/2020)
91 points
Vinous
Dark red with a large pale rim. Big, brooding wine that offers much darker color, aromas and flavors than Poggio Antico’s 2015 Brunello classico. But bigger is not necessarily better, and I find that the cedary, flinty, herbal nuances to the red and blue fruits neither have much verve nor they represent my ideal Sangiovese wine. Will likely improve with cellaring, but for the money, I’d rather buy Poggio Antico’s regular 2015 Brunello. (ID) 91+
(4/2020)
Jancis Robinson
Tasted blind. Deep ruby. Ripe and solid fruit with soft zesty acidity and ripe chewy tannins. This really grows on you. Needs more time, but showing fantastic balance. Very long and elegant, with medium-bodied palate weight and wonderfully transparent. 17.5/20 points (WS)
(1/2020)