One of the great names of Montalcino. Canalicchio di Sopra create some of the most profound wines of this region, with serious structure and tannins set against a compellingly bright and nuanced expression of red fruits and spice. Typical and yet so much better than many of its competitors, this is truly a premium choice in Brunello.
96/100 Kerin O'Keefe (2018 Vintage)
"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino from Canalicchio di Sopra boasts great aromatics of wild rose, new leather forest floor and perfumed berry that align with whiffs of spice. It’s savory and loaded with finesse, featuring juicy red cherry, botanical herb, white pepper and iron mineral notes framed in taut, lithe tannins. Blending grapes from their Montosoli and Canalicchio vineyards created an ideal, natural balance. Drink through 2038."
94/100 Eric Guido, Vinous (2018 Vintage)
"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is understated in the glass, as swirling brings forward nuances of mint, white pepper, dusty black cherries and flowery underbrush. This is a soft and delicate Brunello from Canalicchio di Sopra, also quite mineral in style, impressing with its smooth contours and finesse, while showing rose-tinged red berries and hints of spice. A coating of gentle tannin lingers through the medium-length finale, along with hints of licorice, as the mouth is left watering for more. The 2018 is a total charmer with a beautiful balance, bolstered by the juice that would usually go into the Riserva."
94/100 Monica Larner, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (2017 Vintage)
"As you drive downhill from the hamlet of Montalcino on its north side, you pass the Canalicchio di Sopra winery, which is located in a shallow, sun-lit basin of vines. This estate is meticulous and studied in its winemaking philosophy, and the 2017 Brunello di Montalcino is an expression of that concentration. This warm-climate Brunello reveals awesome purity and intensity with wild cherry, almond and lilac spread over a tonic, mid-weight finish. This wine awards plenty of elegance in a vintage that was not easy and not prone to such nuance. Production is exactly 39,989 bottles. Drink 2024 – 2040."
94/100 Michaela Morris, Decanter (2018 Vintage)
"Canalicchio di Sopra has put out a strong set of Brunello from the 2018 vintage, including this particularly impressive 'classic' bottling. As is customary, it blends fruit from holdings on the hill of Montosoli with plots in Canalicchio. The most immediately expressive vintage I have tasted from the estate, the 2018 also packs plenty of promise. Iris, liquorice and balsamic notes are underscored by an alluring truffle accent. The palate is fluid and charming, with chalky tannins that sneak up but remain velvety. Sweet forest berries are countered by minty green freshness, and the finish is positively crisp with tangy cranberry."