2016 Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino

Canalicchio di Sopra was founded by Primo Pacenti in 1962, and is now run by his grandchildren Francesco, Simonetta and Marco. Their 19 hectares of vineyards are planted in Canalicchio and Montosoli on northern side of Montalcino, and each of these locations lend an elegance and grace to these exquisite Sangiovese wines. All wines are aged in medium sized Slavonian oak botti.

Other Reviews....
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 light is whiter and the nights are cooler. That brilliant luminosity appears in the pure quality of fruit and the sharp focus of the mouthfeel, driven by balanced tannins and acidity. The sensation it gives is compact and long, without too much extra volume or padding. This wine is like a contoured, chiseled and carefully polished marble statue that you would see in a Renaissance church. Drink 2024 - 2044.
95 points
Monica Larner - Wine Advocate (Dec 2020)

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 silky, feminine frame. The structure builds like a crescendo, as minerals fade to youthful tannins. Juicy acids maintain perfect balance from start to finish, making for a surprisingly fresh expression yet with amazing length. There’s simply so much going on here, and there are promises of more good things to come. Drink 2024 - 2038.
95 points
Eric Guido - Vinous

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.
94 points
James Suckling

Intense aromas of underbrush, wild berry, new leather and pipe tobacco lead the way on this fragrant Brunello. Full bodied and elegantly structured, the savory palate features ripe morello cherry, licorice and truffle before a black-tea finish. Firm, refined tannins and fresh acidity keep balanced and give it an ageworthy structure. Drink 2024–2036.
97 points
Kerin O'Keefe - Wine Enthusiast