Altesino is now celebrating the release of its 40th harvest. In fact, the 2012 Brunello di Montalcino is inscribed with the words "our 40th Harvest" in gold letters on its front label. This is a truly delicious wine that exceeds my expectations. I love the way it takes full command of the slightly bolder and more opulent dark fruit aromas produced in this hot vintage. Black cherry, plum and crème de cassis converge on the bouquet. Grilled herb, forest floor, licorice and exotic spice play supporting roles. The finish offers moderate acidity on the Sangiovese scale. This means the wine is mush fresher and more tonic than most Tuscan reds. The finish is long and silky.

Deep ruby-red. Perfumed aromas and flavors of blueberry and violet. Clean and juicy, with lively but harmonious acidity extending the fresh flavors on the long vibrant back end. This is the estate’s 40th harvest.

The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino displays a deep ruby color with a slight orange tinge around its rim. Bright cherries and candied citrus pull me close while nuances of brown spice and tobacco evolve, completing its bouquet. This is soothingly soft and zesty in character, with stimulating acidity that adds a boost of sweetness to its ripe red fruits. The 2012 finishes fresh yet long with only a subtle hint of tannin, as nuances of plum flesh fades. This is so pretty today and easy to like, but it will most likely begin to decline in the next three to five years.

Lustrous and just mid ruby. Very bright and lifted raspberry nose. Juicy and lifted, almost like it has a little VA so bright is the raspberry fruit. Quite light on the palate, and more like a Rosso. (WS)