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.

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. Best from 2023 through 2040. 1,250 cases made, 500 cases imported.

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. Drink 2023-2030.

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.