2019 Canalicchio di Sopra, Brunello di Montalcino, Vigna Montosoli

This is a gorgeous wine that really takes off in this vintage. It starts off with gentle floral aromas of lilac or dried violet and a hint of fragrant rose. The Canalicchio di Sopra 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Montosoli boasts an impeccable nose with elegant berry fruit and light minerality. All this beauty is transferred to the palate, where the wine shows very fine-grained tannins. The fruit flows steadily over a long, rich finish. The challenge is to get a fruit finish this long, considering Brunello's strong tannins, but this wine definitely succeeds. Production is 7,200 bottles plus larger formats.

Dark ruby with orange tinges. Complex, deep nose of cherry with a touch of exotic spice. The nose oozes class. Compact and finely balanced on the palate with finely chiselled tannins that follow the fruit rather than taking the upper hand. Very long and complex, and not ready by far. (WS)