Brunello Montosoli, Canalicchio di Sopra 2018

Here's an exciting new addition to the growing Canalicchio di Sopra portfolio. With fruit from one of the most celebrated subzones in the appellation, the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli shows a unique profile. The wine opens to a solid core of red and purple fruits, all framed by light spice, crushed stone or chalky limestone. The fiber of this wine is lean, tight and elegantly streamlined. It hits the palate with intensity and softness, and it delivers especially fine tannins. Francesco Ripaccioli made 3,733 bottles and 200 magnums. 2025-2042

Taking things to the next level, the 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli is outstanding, with fleshy red cherry, menthol, cedar, and forest floor. It is full-bodied, though more savory and compact in nature than the base Brunello Di Montalcino, with sage, dried herbs, graphite, dark earth, and plum pit. It is coiled and needs time in the cellar before drinking, and although it is less obvious in this wine, I think it will be the winner long term. Drink 2025-2040.

Lustrous ruby with narrow bricky rim. Very composed but with lots of hidden depths at this moment. Definitely minerally but not showing it all right now. With aeration increasingly complex and balsamic with a suggestion of stones and the prickle of mostarda. Gorgeous supple fruit with fine coating tannins. Elegant. 2023-2032