In Bond Fine Wine. 2016 Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy. Red italy - tuscany in 1x150cl. Top critic score: 95/100 (ML). Drinking window: 2024–2044. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Founded in 1962 by Primo Pacenti, Canalicchio di Sopra is one of Montalcino’s historic estates and was among the 12 founding members of the Brunello Consorzio. Today, the third generation of the Ripaccioli family manages 19 hectares of vineyards across two distinctive sites on Montalcino’s northern slopes: Canalicchio, known for its depth and aromatic complexity, and Montosoli, celebrated for its floral perfume, mineral tension and finesse. The estate’s Brunello traditionally combines fruit from both, while its single-vineyard bottlings explore their individual characters. Stylistically, Canalicchio di Sopra sits firmly in the classical camp of Brunello, with considerable concentration and ageing potential: balance, purity and tension rather than overt richness or oak.
Monica Larner (ML) — 95/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 30/11/2020 · Drink 2024-2044
The Canalicchio di Sopra 2016 Brunello di Montalcino shows balance and symmetry with that difficult twofold delivery of power and elegance. This terrific new release shows dark fruit and tart cherry, but then unwinds slowly to reveal light spice, toasted nut, blue flower and crushed limestone. The wine affords a genuine sense of place with roots in the northern half of the appellation where the l…
Eric Guido (EG) — 95/100 · Vinous, 30/11/2020 · Drink 2024-2038
The 2016 Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino is flat-out stunning, remarkably vibrant and an almost-ethereal expression. There's an exotic citrusy tinge to its ripe black cherries, taking on hints of sage, cedar and allspice, all grounded by moist earth tones. It's focused and remarkably pure with a noticeable inner sweetness to the red and hints of blackberry fruit, all cast across a sil…
James Suckling (JS) — 94/100 · JamesSuckling.com, 11/11/2020
A dusty, tannic red with plum, red berry and cedar, chocolate and walnut undertones. It's full-bodied, yet reserved and tight with ultra fine tannins and a vivid finish. A pretty, polished red. Drink after 2022.