Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino La Casaccia 2019 1.5L

100 points Eric Guido (Vinous): "The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna La Casaccia is impossible to ignore; it is earthy and mineral, almost smoky and animal in nature. Ashen stones, violets and balsam herbs complicate depths of dried black cherries, sage and clove. This is deeply textural and seductive, balancing ripe red and black fruits with sweet spice and minty herbal tones that create a kaleidoscope of sensation on the palate. A salty flourish shines through the finale, along with a crunchy tinge of blackberry seeds to contrast, as fine-grained tannins wrap the senses with youthful poise and a bitter twang resonates. The 2019 may be immortal. La Casaccia is a showstopper. Drink: 2026-2040. (Dec 2023)"

100 points Falstaff Guide: "Bright ruby red. On the nose, earthy tones, rich cherry fruit, some blood orange, not quite precise, albeit harmonious. Polished, elegant on the palate, with fine-grained, creamy tannins, very juicy, great style with a lingering finish. Alcohol 15%. (3/22/24)"

98 points Luca Gardini: "A single vineyard of great thickness and inimitable balance, nose with notes of cranberry, then touches of eucalyptus and gardenia, with hints of juniper. Brackish palate, thick, with a return of cranberry and spicy notes. (Oct 2023)"

98 points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "The 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino Vigna La Casacchia pours a rich and youthful red/ruby color and is from the unique clay-based soils just outside the winery. This wine takes things up another notch, with notes of raspberry liqueur, licorice, toasted sage, and lavender perfume. Full-bodied, it has a lot to offer, with ripe tannins, balanced, even acidity, dark mineral accents, and pure lasting concentration of fruit all the way through a mouthwatering finish. A remarkable wine, I highly recommend seeking out it for your cellar and aging. Drink: 2027-2050. (2/28/24)"

98 points Michaela Morris (Decanter): "Produced since the 2015 vintage, Vigna Casaccia is fashioned from 30-year-old vines of the BBS11 clone. Reaching 315 metres, the plot is characterised by a high percentage of brown, magnesium-rich clay. Surely the most impressive release yet, the 2019 exhibits the cru’s intrinsic sumptuous character and girth, along with telltale resinous herb nuances of rosemary, thyme and eucalyptus. yet this year, there is an extra spark. Through that expansiveness, an underlying firmness keeps this from overflowing its limits. Plump fruit marked with a mineral lick and terracotta earthiness is all wrapped up in smooth, velvety tannins, and it carries its 15% alcohol with ease and grace. Drinking Window: 2026-2041. (11/14/23)"

97 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "Whereas Montosoli is more mineral-driven and finely stitched together, this wine is broad, big and driven by balsamic tones, vapor rub and dried rosemary. The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino La Casaccia, however, is more explosive with spice, toasted coffee, black licorice, cherry cola and rich cherry. The tannins feel chalky, although they are fine-grained, but they play a bigger role against the concentrated fruit. Only 7,200 bottles and larger formats were made. Drink: 2025-2042. (12/14/23)"

96 points Bruce Sanderson (Wine Spectator): "[$249 list] Rich and velvety, with cherry, raspberry, eucalyptus and juniper aromas and flavors, this is backed by a dense, steely structure, whose tannins leave a strong grip on the finish. Balanced, complex and long, with a saline, mineral impression persisting on the aftertaste. Best from 2027 through 2043. 600 cases made, 147 cases imported. (3/20/24)"

95 points Kerin O'Keefe: "The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Vigna La Casaccia is fantastic. Generous and powerfully built, it also has a weightless grace, featuring aromas of black-skinned fruit, iris and camphor while the enveloping palate delivers ripe plum, mature black-skinned berry, licorice and cake spice. Velvety, enveloping tannins give it a smooth texture while fresh acidity keeps it balanced. Abv: 15%. (Nov 2023)"