2021 Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany

The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino is explosive in the glass, with waves of crushed rocks, savory herbs, nuances of split pine and dried strawberries. It communicates both juiciness and refinement, with crystalline mineral tones contrasting racy red and black fruits. The 2021 leaves the senses drenched in primary concentration as a sour twang of citrus mingles with fine tannins through the dramatically long finale. Despite having separated out the single-vineyard wines over the years, I am continually impressed with Canalicchio di Sopra's Brunello.

95 points Vinous

Beautifully balanced and polished, the Canalicchio di Sopra 2021 Brunello di Montalcino shows delicate mineral notes that frame cassis, blue flower and sweet Sangiovese aromatics. The wine is taut and energetic, driven by fine tension that carries through a mid-weight palate with length and silky, well-managed tannins, resulting in an elegant yet accessible expression. Fermented in stainless steel and aged for 36 months in large Slavonian oak casks, the wine is sourced from fruit drawn across 10 hectares of vines over 10 years of age from the Canalicchio and Montosoli sites.

95 points Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate

The 2021 Brunello Di Montalcino shows the precision and balance that make this vintage so compelling. The nose has notes of cherry cordial, anise, roses, thyme, brushy herbs, and warm spice. Medium-bodied, it stays weightless on the palate, with ripe tannins, bright acidity, and a long finish that turns slightly savory with black tea. It's a fabulous Brunello that will only improve over the next decade.

96 points Jeb Dunnuck

Canalicchio di Sopra is one of the great family estates of Montalcino, founded by Primo Pacenti in 1962 and today run by the third generation, Francesco, Marco and Simonetta Ripaccioli. The family was among the original members of the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino, and the estate has remained firmly focused on Sangiovese and the character of its vineyards. There is a lovely combination of tradition and precision here, with none of the fruit buried beneath unnecessary winemaking.

The Brunello brings together fruit from the estate’s two principal zones, Canalicchio on the northern side of Montalcino and Montosoli, one of the appellation’s most celebrated hills. Clay, marl and mineral rich soils give Sangiovese both fragrance and structure, while the different exposures add complexity. The 2021 vintage is particularly exciting, with beautiful ripeness matched by freshness and finely formed tannins. This has the bones of a seriously long lived Brunello.

Luminous ruby garnet with Morello cherry, wild raspberry and redcurrant followed by violet and dried flowers. Blood orange, fennel and anise bring lift, while black tea, tobacco and a cool earthy note gradually emerge. The palate is concentrated yet wonderfully poised, with pure red fruit carried by vibrant acidity and firm, finely grained tannins. Cherry and orange peel move towards liquorice, tea leaf and savoury spice through a long, mineral finish.

Tajarin with porcini and Parmigiano might wander north of Tuscany geographically, but it would be glorious here. Pappardelle with wild mushrooms, duck with lentils, slow roasted lamb with rosemary or eggplant baked with tomato and pecorino all have enough savoury depth for young Brunello.

Cellaring: Drink from 2029 to 2052+.