The 2019 Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli is an exceptional Sangiovese from the renowned region of Brunello di Montalcino in Tuscany, Italy. This vintage has garnered high praise from several esteemed wine critics, reflecting its quality and potential.
Monica Larner of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this wine an impressive 98 points, stating, "This is a gorgeous wine that really takes off in this vintage." Larner highlights the wine's "gentle floral aromas of lilac or dried violet and a hint of fragrant rose," which transition into "elegant berry fruit and light minerality." She notes the wine's fine-grained tannins and a long, rich finish, emphasizing that achieving such a lengthy fruit finish is a notable accomplishment for a Brunello.
Eric Guido from Vinous also praises the 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli, giving it 97 points. He describes it as "youthfully restrained" with a bouquet that includes "dried roses, licorice, cherries, cloves, and camphor." Guido commends its "polished, silky and refined" nature, with a palate that features "savory spice and mineral-laden red fruits," supported by brisk acidity and fine-grained tannins. He concludes that this wine is a "breathtaking interpretation of Montosoli fruit."
Audrey Frick from JebDunnuck.com echoes this sentiment, awarding the wine 97+ points. She notes its "deep ruby/magenta color" and "sunny aromas of kirsch, lavender, crushed pine needles, licorice, and sappy earth." Frick mentions its full-bodied nature and dark mineral undertones, suggesting that it might need more time to reveal its full potential, recommending a drinking window from 2026 to 2046.
James Suckling, from jamessuckling.com, gives the wine 96 points and highlights its "aromas of sweet berries, flowers, sandalwood, and ink," leading to a medium body with "firm, silky tannins and a fresh and clean finish." He describes it as "linear and racy" and suggests it will be at its best in two to three years.
Decanter also awards the wine 97 points, emphasizing its origins from a northwest-facing plot planted in 1997. The review describes the wine as "almost painfully young" with "alluring scents" and a palate marked by "crispness of acidity and vertical, edgy tannins." They note its "tight yet pure and sapid red berry core" and a finish with "lingering orange bitters."
Wine Spectator's BS gives it 95 points, noting distinctive balsamic notes like "tomato leaf, eucalyptus, and mint," along with "cherry and strawberry fruit." The review mentions iron and tobacco accents and suggests the wine will benefit from a few more years to integrate, recommending a drinking window from 2027 to 2043.
In summary, the 2019 Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli is a highly acclaimed wine, praised for its aromatic complexity, refined tannins, and long finish. It promises excellent aging potential and is a standout example of Sangiovese from the Montosoli hill.