Coming on the heels of the Ciacci offer last week, comes the wonderful benchmarks from Altesino. While Ciacci rules the southern part of the appellation, Altesino’s Montosoli vineyard is the icon of the north. These are beautiful, elegant offerings. Both arrive tomorrow.

2019 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino DOCG $69.99

2019 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino ‘Vigna Montosoli’ $139.99

Half bottles of the Brunello DOCG and large formats for both wines are available. Shipping included on 6 bottles, mix and match OK

Another of our all-time favorite Brunellos has arrived. Altesino is, of course, one of the benchmarks for the appellation and the Montosoli bottling one of the true icons of Brunello! This area, at the northernmost part of Montalcino, has become the most vaunted address for elegance, balance and elan. But, at half the price, the so-called ‘Normale’ bottling is nearly as good. This is a particularly luscious and expressive vintage for this wine. Drink it sooner- even now if you decant it- than the Montosoli which always requires extra time to show its best. Drink that one at its tenth anniversary and you will have one of those a-ha Brunello moments.

Vinous on these two Brunellos: A dark ruby color in the glass, the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino opens with a beguiling blend of dusty earth, crushed rocks, savory herbs and dried roses. This is racy and sleek, with vividly ripe wild berry fruits elevated by orange and sage, all guided by vibrant acidity. Grippy tannins take control through the finish, yet the mouth if left watering for more as a bitter licorice tinge and dark chocolate adds a crunchy sensation. 94 points An enticing blend of steeped plums, blood orange, sage and sweet smoke makes the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli a total pleasure on the nose. Elegant and soothing, it flows across the palate with a silken wave of ripe red fruits and spices and saline minerals slowly saturate under an air of violet inner florals. The 2019 is seamless and harmonious, leaving a coating of edgy tannins to contend with a bump of refreshing acidity as suggestions of tart cranberry and a bitter tinge of clove taper off. This is Montosoli terroir at its very best, and even at this early stage, it’s impossible to resist pouring another glass. 97 points