In Montalcino verliep het jaar 2016 in een rustig tempo. Een koude winter werd gevolgd door een regenachtig voorjaar, dat voor voldoende vocht zorgde, waarna een warme, droge zomer aanbrak. In augustus en september was er een groot temperatuurverschil tussen dag en nacht, waardoor de suiker en polyfenolen (stoffen die de kleur en het tanninegehalte bepalen) in hetzelfde tempo konden rijpen. De oogst vond plaats in september. De opbrengsten waren lager dan normaal: voor veel producenten in Montalcino lagen ze ongeveer 15-20% onder het normale niveau; bovendien waren de druivenschillen dunner dan in 2015 en was het zuurgehalte hoger.
Canalicchio di Sopra produceert alleen Brunello di Montalcino Riserva in jaren die het als succesvol beschouwt, en 2016 voldeed aan deze criteria. Ten minste 80% van de gebruikte druiven werd geoogst van oude wijnstokken in de wijngaard 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
