Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino 2019

97 points Luca Gardini: "A Brunello ‘vintage’ of balance and great tension of family Ripaccioli. All the varietal wealth of the northeast quadrant of the ‘hill’, black cherry, notes of clementine peel and laurel. Balsamic attack on the palate, with density and citrusy return. Closes on floral notes. (Oct 2023)"

96 points Eric Guido (Vinous): "Dusty violets, lavender and cloves accentuate dried black cherries as the dramatic 2019 Brunello di Montalcino smolders up from the glass. This is impossible to ignore, bursting with energy as depths of ripe red fruits, chalky minerals and exotic spices saturate all they touch, balanced by textures of pure silk. The 2019 finishes with fantastic length and concentration, leaving a staining of tart blackberry and hints of orange that curl the tongue as crunchy tannins tug at the palate. It's rare to see such a combination of vibrancy and power. Canalicchio di Sopra nailed it in 2019. Wow. Drink: 2026-2042. (Dec 2023)"

95 points Michaela Morris (Decanter): "After excellent showings from the 2018 vintage, Canalicchio di Sopra follows up with an impressive trio of 2019s. There is also a highly promising Riserva waiting in the wings... In the meantime, the current releases kick off with the estate Brunello, which is assembled from vines that are at least a decade old. It's a model of freshness and energy, backed by substance and staying power. Aromas of mint, lavender and tobacco lead to a radiant core of warm stone and red currants. The tannins are direct and linear, giving a firm grip to the dense fruit. Bitter citrus to finish. Drinking Window: 2025-2037. (11/14/23)"

95 points Falstaff Guide: "Bright ruby red, flint. Fragrant, juicy cherry, sweet savouriness, very fine and inviting, dried flower petals. Juicy on the palate, with great succulence and polished tannins, with tension and clear fruit, very well done, great Brunello. Alcohol 15%. (3/22/24)"

94 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "With a hint of candied cherry, grenadine or Shirley Temple, the Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Brunello di Montalcino reveals purple blossom, dried flower, cough drop and balsam herb. The wine is very nicely stitched together with integrated oak that comes through in a structural way but not too much on the bouquet. The tannins do feel dry on the mid-palate, but they remain fine and tight. The alcohol is a bit high in this vintage at 15%. Drink: 2025-2040. (12/14/23)"

94 points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "Canalicchio Di Sopra makes a powerful statement with their release of the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino and puts their stamp on this vintage with confidence. Tasted multiple times, this brooding, layered, and noble wine is jeweled in appearance, pouring a dark ruby/red color, and offers a gorgeous bouquet of black cherry preserve, wildflowers, licorice, cedar, and incense. Moving to the palate, it’s powerfully structured and full-bodied, with rich tannins and great length throughout. A very impressive wine with a flourish of saline and mouthwatering notes of black tea on the finish, it demands time in the cellar and, if stored properly, should age gracefully over the next 15-20 years. Drink: 2026-2046. (2/28/24)"

94 points James Suckling: "Black cherry, black berry, and lead pencil on the nose. Some fresh bark too. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and a fresh finish. Linear tannins. Drink after 2026. (9/25/23)"

93 points Kerin O'Keefe: "New leather, camphor, forest floor and exotic brown spice aromas lead the nose on the robust, savory 2019 Brunello from Canalicchio. This is a big, bold red, delivering liquor-soaked prune, succulent black cherry, licorice and tobacco alongside a backbone of firm, tightly woven tannins. You’ll also feel the warmth of alcohol on the close. Abv: 15%. (Nov 2023)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "[$129 list] This red sets cherry, plum, earth, iron and underbrush flavors against a fleshy texture and firm structure. A fresh version, with refined tannins supporting the long finish. Best from 2027 through 2042. (3/20/24)"