In Montalcino verlief das Jahr 2016 in gemächlichem Tempo. Auf einen kalten Winter folgte ein regnerischer Frühling, der für reichlich Feuchtigkeit sorgte, woraufhin ein warmer, trockener Sommer einsetzte. Im August und September gab es einen starken Temperaturunterschied zwischen Tag und Nacht, wodurch Zucker und Polyphenole (Verbindungen, die Farbe und Tanningehalt bestimmen) gleichmäßig reifen konnten. Die Lese fand im September statt. Die Erträge fielen geringer aus als üblich: Bei vielen Erzeugern in Montalcino lagen sie um etwa 15-20 % unter dem normalen Niveau; zudem waren die Traubenschalen dünner als 2015 und der Säuregehalt höher.
Canalicchio di Sopra produziert den Wein Brunello di Montalcino Riserva nur in Jahren, die das Weingut als erfolgreich erachtet, und 2016 erfüllte diese Kriterien. Mindestens 80 % der verwendeten Trauben stammten von alten Rebstöcken aus dem Weinberg Vigna Vecchia Mercatale.
Robert Parker (97)
Canalicchio di Sopra is faithful to the concept of Riserva, and there is always a marked, but proportional, stylistic difference between this wine (which is aged for 36 months in Slavonian casks) and the annata release. This is exact how it should be. Riserva is an extension of annata, not an exaggeration of it. From a classic vintage, the 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a special and highly collectible bottle. It shows depth and profound fruit with bright cherry, plum and crushed flower. It also manages greater concentration and density while maintaining its graceful personality. You'll need to add quite a few years of age to this wine. Production is a mere 4,133 bottles.
Winespectator (97)
Leads off with high-toned cherry and strawberry flavors and savory, mineral elements, which are buoyed by vibrant acidity and solid tannins. This is still very youthful and full of nerve, complexity. Reveals hints of soy and chocolate that add more detail on the long aftertaste.
James Suckling (97)
Lovely sweet black cherries and blackberries on the nose with lots of flowers. Full-bodied with fine, dusty tannins that are polished and beautiful. It’s very poised and pretty now, but will deliver so much more with bottle age. Goes on and on. Drink after 2024.
Jancis Robinson (17.5)
Lustrous mid ruby with narrow orange rim. Deep, balsamic nose with a minerally tingle. Suave, succulent cherry fruit palate with firm, ripe grainy tannins. Very long and with plenty of structure. Fantastic balance. Concentrated and elegant at the same time, while the tannins demand more bottle age. Walter Speller
