The 2005 Brunello di Montalcino Altero is the estate’s more modern-feeling Brunello as it is aged in 500-liter French oak barrels. The 2005 is another terrific wine from Poggio Antico. The balance and polish here are exceptional. The fruit is darker and richer than in the normal bottling, while the oak is felt mostly in the wine’s volume and depth. Smoke, tar and licorice add further shades of nuance and complexity on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900

Offers sliced plum and berries, with hints of new wood. Full-bodied, with soft tannins and a pretty, fruity aftertaste. Layered and juicy. Drink now. 830 cases made, 650 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Brunello di Montalcino Select to Add

Aged and sophisticated, this hearty and concentrated Brunello offers ripe tones of blackberry, plum and prune along with subdued nuances of toast and exotic spice. There’s great personality and dimension here with medium body and a fresh, berry-driven finish. ——M.L.(10/1/2010)—— 93