2004 Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
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Tasting notes
Dark and earthy in the glass yet still boasting fantastic freshness, the 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva makes itself known. Dusty and floral, it displays hints of underbrush and leather that complicate steeped plums and ground cloves. Pure elegance on the palate, it's silky smooth and nearly velvety in feel, flooding the senses with vividly ripe red and black fruits propelled by zesty acidity. The 2004 finishes with dramatic length and concentration, structured yet not severe, leaving a bitter tinge and a saturation of liquid violet florals that resonate.
Critic scores
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
An absolutely compelling Brunello, Canalicchio's 2004 Riserva is magnificent from the very first taste. Rich and ample on the palate with silky tannins in support, the 2004 Riserva captures the very best qualities of a vintage in which the wines are sensual and finessed to the core. Still very, very young, the 2004 Riserva will drink well for another 20 years or more. Put quite simply, the 2004 Riserva is a knock out. This is a perfect example where the differences between the Brunello and the Riserva are more about stylistic and personal preferences rather than absolute quality.
Canalicchio di Sopra's 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a real knock-out. This is one of the vintages in which the Riserva truly soars. Rich and ample on the palate, with silky tannins providing support, the 2004 Riserva captures the very best qualities of the vintage. Today, the Riserva comes across as quite primary. What a beautiful wine this is. Still quite young, the 2004 Riserva will drink well for another 20 years or so.
The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is built on a core of elegance and refinement rather than the sheer power that typically characterizes the estate's wines. This is a sensual, layered Brunello that only gradually reveals its seductive charm. Sweet, silky tannins support a core of ripe dark fruit all the way through to the sublime, delicate finish. Readers looking for a blockbuster 2004 Riserva should look elsewhere, but those in search of the elegant side of Brunello will find much to admire here. That said; the wine gained quite a bit of volume and depth with air, so it will be interesting to see where things go from here.