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Canalicchio di Sopra, Brunello di Montalcino, 2016

Red Wine from Tuscany, Italy
by Canalicchio di Sopra
$206.99
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2016 is widely considered one of the greatest classical Brunello vintages of the 21st century — long, even, perfectly balanced — and Canalicchio di Sopra is the producer to taste it from. The Ripaccioli family farms in the northern zone of Montalcino, with parcels in the historic Canalicchio area (calcareous, clay-rich soils) and on the famed hill of Montosoli (free-draining galestro), both at around 300 meters. Francesco Ripaccioli now leads the third generation, and the standard Brunello here draws on both zones — for 2016, that means roughly 60% Montosoli and 40% Canalicchio. Nine years on, the wine is just stepping into its window: underbrush, ripe cherry, leather, tobacco, and the firm-but-refined tannins that mark serious Sangiovese. Drink now through 2036.

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Antonio Galloni

95 points

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino soothes the senses with a bouquet that evokes spiced cherry herbal tea, incense and cloves with an enriching touch of brown spice. This is maturing beautifully and evenly, now more pliant and silky, still full of youthful tension yet undeniably attractive and refined. The 2016's tannins remain firm, fine-grained and enveloping, leaving hints of licorice and a bitter blackberry tinge that puckers the cheeks. An understated beauty." —Eric Guido

Robert Parker

95 points

"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. Production is an ample 44,218 bottles." —Monica Larner

Jancis Robinson

18 points

"Lustrous mid ruby. Closed, with minerally hints. Fantastic focus, concentration and balance and totally poised. Very pure, with long tannins. Enormous concentration yet not heavy. Very young but already irresistible."

Decanter

94 points

"Canalicchio di Sopra’s estate Brunello is a blend of plots from its home base in Canalicchio, as well as holdings on the Montosoli hill. The 2016 allies the restrained fleshiness of the former and the salinity of the latter with a balsamic dash. Scents of lilac and bay laurel turn to pure dark cherry on the palate, which is laced with liquorice and stone. Suave tannins maintain a grainy grip and there is no lack of mouthwatering acidity. Thrilling umami finish!"

Wine Spectator

94 points

"Luscious black cherry is the main theme in this racy red, accented by plum, licorice, tar and iron. This is dense, turning more austere as the tannins take hold of the long finish. Shows fine energy, balance and potential."

Kerin O'Keefe

97 points

"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 age-worthy structure. Drink 2024–2036." —Kerin O'Keefe

More about Canalicchio di Sopra

Wine Details

  • Grape Variety

    Sangiovese

  • Vintage

    2016

  • Size

    750ml

  • Sweetness

    Dry

  • Body

    Full Bodied

Flatiron's Take

From the Importer

What has to say about this wine:

Tasting Notes & Food Pairings

Perfect Pairings

Bistecca alla fiorentina, wild-boar ragu over pappardelle, lamb shank with rosemary, or aged pecorino. Anything off the Tuscan playbook — slow-cooked, savory, herb-driven — works beautifully here.

Tasting Profile

Ripe morello cherry, dried plum, wild berry, leather, pipe tobacco, and a flicker of truffle over crushed stone and underbrush. The palate is full-bodied and elegantly structured with firm refined tannins, fresh acidity, and a long, black-tea finish.

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