2013 Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino (1.5L)

“Plump and bursting with cherry, strawberry and mineral aromas and flavors, this racy red evokes harmony and freshness, with hints of spice, chocolate and tobacco as it plays out gracefully on the long aftertaste. There is structure here, with all the components integrated. Best from 2020 through 2035. From Italy. (BS)” (03/2017)

“Canalicchio di Sopra's 2013 Brunello di Montalcino is tight and firm at its core, with qualities that bode very well for its aging potential. That compact core is surrounded by many thick layers of dark fruit and spice that are expressive and expansive. Those outer layers give the wine softness and some immediate accessibility, even at this early stage in its life. All summed up, this is a very complete and characteristic Brunello that offers stunning quality for medium or long-term drinking. ML” (02/2018)

“The 2013 Brunello di Montalcino is a showstopper, opening with a stunning bouquet of sour cherry, spiced citrus and clove complicated by traces of worn leather. This is silky and supple, showing ripe red fruit and mineral tones. It slowly gains tension toward the close but remains energized by zesty acidity all the way through. Finishing saline and long, with adolescent tannins that still grip the palate, the 2013 tapers off remarkably fresh, leaving hints of cranberry and licorice. This is on the verge of entering its drinking window, with many years of positive evolution in store for patient collectors. (EG)” (02/2024)

“This reveals black and red currants infused with mint and savoury earth. The palate is energetic, streamlined and gripped by firmly fastened tannins, which need a bit more time to unfurl. Flinty stone and fennel emerge through the core, while the finish brings in tobacco and lingering peppery spice. Francesco Ripaccioli credits the dry wind from the north for keeping the fruit clean and healthy throughout the ripening season. He also notes that the estate was able to bring in all the grapes before the autumn rain settled in on October 8th. (MM)” (01/2022)

“Ripe berry and dried orange peel character follow through to a full body, round and velvety tannins and a juicy finish. A more fruit-forward style for this estate. Better in 2019.” (11/2017)

“Forest floor, dark-skinned berry, iris and new leather aromas lead the nose. The full-bodied juicy palate offers ripe wild cherry, star anise and a hint of pipe tobacco alongside taut, fine-grained tannins. Drink 2023-2030. (KO)” (05/2018)

“Lustrous mid to deep ruby with orange tinges. Brooding and a little rich, taking its time to open up. Tobacco leaf and cherry slowly emerging from the glass. Mouth-filling without being heavy and charged with energetic tannins. Intense, tannic and long. (WR) 17/20” (05/2024)