2001 Brunello di Montalcino
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Tasting notes
The 2001 Brunello di Montalcino displays a surprisingly deep, dark red color, with an initial burst of sweet spice, black cherry, dried orange and cedar. However, with time in the glass, its bouquet becomes muddled by a dank, earthy minerality. It’s silky in feel yet lean, with a green streak slightly marring its tart red fruits. Bright acids help to keep energy high, yet this is quite tertiary in both aroma and flavor. Considering this bottle came directly from the estate cellar, I believe it’s safe to say that the 2001 is officially over the hill. (Lot 7016)
Critic scores
Eric Guido, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Good medium cherry-red with a pale rim. Perfumed aromas of dusty cherry and spicy, nutty oak, with some odd white fruit notes of orange zest and apricot. Suave and sweet on entry, then distinctly exotic in the middle palate, with flavors of peach, apricot and honeysuckle framed by ripe acids. Finishes with dusty, firm tannins and good length. A second sample showed similar white fruit elements and finished with a dry edge. If I smelled this wine out of a black glass, I would have thought I was drinking a white wine. How does one rate an oddball like this?
About the producer
Altesino is one of the top producers in Brunello di Montalcino. The estate is famous for bottling the first separate Cru from the Montosoli hill, which has since become widely recognised for its distinct, elegant style of Brunello.