The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is understated in the glass, as swirling brings forward nuances of mint, white pepper, dusty black cherries and flowery underbrush. This is a soft and delicate Brunello from Canalicchio di Sopra, also quite mineral in style, impressing with its smooth contours and finesse, while showing rose-tinged red berries and hints of spice. A coating of gentle tannin lingers through the medium-length finale, along with hints of licorice, as the mouth is left watering for more. The 2018 is a total charmer with a beautiful balance, bolstered by the juice that would usually go into the Riserva. EG Oct 2022

Perfumed nose of neroli, bergamot, sandalwood, cherry stones and plums. Full-bodied and richly fruity with gently grainy tannins. Drink after 2023. Dec 2022

Canalicchio Di Sopra is a 60-hectare estate with 19 hectares of vineyard on the north-eastern side of Montalcino. It is owned by one of the long-standing, early members of the consorzio who have been making Brunello here since 1966. This 2018 Canalicchio Di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino has alluringly understated, subtle, oak spice and cedar notes. On the palate it has a beautiful, limpid texture and weight. There are some bright, red cherry and red plum flavors entwined with the gentle, creamy spice of sophisticated, integrated oak. There is not huge concentration in the middle, but this 2018 is very persistent on the nose and the palate. What I love the most is the natural harmony and the lovely ease and flow on this wine across the palate. Feb 2023 - Susan Hulme MW The Wine Independent

Canalicchio di Sopra has put out a strong set of Brunello from the 2018 vintage, including this particularly impressive 'classic' bottling. As is customary, it blends fruit from holdings on the hill of Montosoli with plots in Canalicchio. The most immediately expressive vintage I have tasted from the estate, the 2018 also packs plenty of promise. Iris, liquorice and balsamic notes are underscored by an alluring truffle accent. The palate is fluid and charming, with chalky tannins that sneak up but remain velvety. Sweet forest berries are countered by minty green freshness, and the finish is positively crisp with tangy cranberry. Drinking Window: 2023 - 2034
Tasted by: Michaela Morris (at Villa Le Prata, Montalcino, 10 Nov 2022)
Part of Brunello di Montalcino 2018: full report plus top-scoring wines

The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is elegant and tight with dried cherry, earthy root, pressed violet and exotic spice. The wine's long mandatory aging period has added to its aromatic intensity and textural weight. You also recognize that special complexity that comes with Sangiovese when grown in this sunny appellation on the southern side of Tuscany. ML March 2023

The soft, ripe perfume of the 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino reveals violets, herbes de Provence, black raspberry, and wet stone. Generous with its notes of ripe berries, candied cherry, sweet herbs, and tobacco, this full-bodied expression is long on the palate, with ripe though present tannins, and its sanguine and mineral edge drives the wine forward. It is a wonderful ripe and chiseled style to drink 2025-2040. AF March 2023

This juicy red is highlighted by plum, black cherry, tomato leaf, eucalyptus and mineral flavors. Starts out ripe and balanced, turning drier on the tobacco- and spice-tinged finish. Vibrant and long. Best from 2025 through 2040. BS

Lustrous mid ruby with orange tinges. Finely spiced raspberry, but more savoury than fruity. Hints of cinnamon bark and cherry. Supple yet lively displaying great purity of fruit and super-fine sandy tannins clinging to the fruit. Tannic chew and freshness. WS Oct 2022