97+ Points from Canalicchio di Sopra, Montalcino's Legendary Estate

Why Buy: One of Italy's greatest estates has done it again. These new releases from the legendary Canalicchio di Sopra showcase the brilliance of their 2019 and 2020 Brunello vintages – a collection earning extraordinary praise from Vinous, including 97+ points for the brilliant Riserva, 97 points for the majestic Montosoli, and 96 points for the refined and defined La Casaccia. Under 37-year-old Francesco Ripaccioli, this northern Montalcino estate reaches new heights as its exceptional terroir finds expression in wines of both power and profound elegance.

What They're Saying: Vinous reviewed 4 of these 5 wines, and evinced remarkable enthusiasm for them (the 2023 Rosso has not yet been rated). It lavished 97+ points on the 2019 Riserva, "an understated beauty" that "sweeps across the palate with ease," building tension through "crisp minerality and brisk acidity" before revealing its true depths in "an elegant wave of ripe red and black fruits.” Its admiration for the 2020 Montosoli (97 points) was clear and emphatic: "a radiant and generous Montosoli with the balance necessary to mature beautifully in the cellar” and "a finish that's "long and staining.” The La Casaccia (96 points) impressed with its "dark and brooding” profile, blossoming in the glass with "a dramatic mix of steeped plums, cinnamon sticks, grilled herbs and sweet lavender.” A model "of purity,” Vinous wrote, "lifted and refined with soft textures and cool-toned acidity.” Rounding out the group is the estate Brunello, which earned 95 points for its "dynamic" character and "soothingly round and pliant” nature. “A spectacular Brunello,” Vinous called it.

Our Tasting Notes: These wines perfectly capture the magic of northern Montalcino – that rare combination of power and finesse that makes this corner of Tuscany so special. The 2019 Riserva shows remarkable poise, with layers of fruit that unfold slowly, revealing new dimensions with each return to the glass – think wild berries and subtle baking spices giving way to hints of fresh tobacco and Mediterranean herbs. The 2020 Montosoli offers that characteristic mineral backbone that this renowned site is famous for, along with a core of dark cherries and crushed roses, while the La Casaccia demonstrates how clay-rich soils can produce wines of both intensity and grace, weaving together notes of ripe plums and fresh earth. Their flagship Brunello brings together the best of both worlds – the structure of Montosoli with the generosity of La Casaccia – creating something both profound and approachable, with that telltale iron-like minerality that marks the finest wines of northern Montalcino. And the Rosso offers a perfect introduction to the house style at a remarkably accessible price point, delivering the same elegant personality in a more immediate package.

The Story: At 37, the third-generation winemaker Francesco Ripaccioli has already notched a remarkable 16 vintages and attained a level of rock-star acclaim that most vintners never manage to approach. More impressive to us, and more inspiring, is that he has not been content to rest on the vast reputation of his estate, but has continued to refine its approach and his methods, as witnessed by the extraordinary run Canalicchio di Sopra has been on these past several years, with a number of wines that are destined to be regarded as classics. His journey began dramatically in 2007 when, without formal winemaking training, he left business school to take over the cellar after his grandfather took ill. Working with consultant Paolo Vagaggini, he systematically analyzed every aspect of production, conducting fermentations parcel by parcel and modernizing practices while maintaining the estate's soul. That commitment to both tradition and progress shows in every bottle – from replacing decades-old aging casks to embracing sustainable viticulture. Together with his siblings Marco and Simonetta, who help run this 50-acre estate, Ripaccioli represents a new generation of Montalcino producers who honor their heritage while pushing boundaries.

Fun Fact: When Francesco Ripaccioli's grandfather, Primo Pacenti, first bought this land in the 1950s during Italy's post-war reforms, he planted just over a single acre of Sangiovese. He would go on to become one of the 12 founding members of the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino, helping establish Italy's first DOCG.

Our Guarantee: Remember, friends – we always buy and source directly from the estate, so you can rest assured that your wine will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance.