Canalicchio di Sopra
Brunello di Montalcino 2008,2012
Italy
About the SessionItaly dominates the auction, led by a considerable depth of Tuscan greats. Fontodi spans the full range of the estate from the benchmark Chianti Classico through multiple vintages of Flaccianello della Pieve, their iconic Sangiovese IGT, to the crown jewel Vigna del Sorbo Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. The jewel in the crown of Tuscan reds, Brunello di Montalcino is well represented with offerings from Il Poggione, Casanova di Neri, Silvio Nardi, and the rare Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta. A group of curated Italian Collections rounds out the Italian session, offering mixed selections ideal for those seeking range across multiple producers in a single lot.
About this Item
Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino 2008 (1 x 750ml)
Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino 2012 (2 x 750ml)
Canalicchio di Sopra is a family estate in the Montosoli zone of northern Montalcino, run by the Ripaccioli family with a philosophy rooted in traditional Brunello making: Sangiovese Grosso aged in large Slavonian oak botti to preserve the variety's aromatic complexity and finesse. The estate is distinguished from the separate Canalicchio di Sotto, with its own vineyard holdings on the northern slopes favoured for elegance and perfume. The 2008 and 2012, from a classic and more approachable Brunello vintage, is elegant and lifted, offering tart red cherry, mentholated herbs and inner florals with silky texture and bright acidity.
Provenance
The late David Brice was a respected wine connoisseur, collector and co-founder of Brice and Burnett – The Fine Wine Specialists (formerly Wine Cellar). His lifelong passion for wine from all corners of the world wine, and generosity, helped develop a culture of fine wine in South Africa and beyond. Always with value and authenticity in mind, the collection spans a wide range of styles from leading producers and diverse regions. The wines were professionally imported under refrigeration and carefully stored at Brice and Burnett (formerly Wine Cellar) thereafter. Many of the producers are not available in South Africa and provide an excellent buying opportunity.
For more detailed information on the lots, please feel free to contact Roland Peens (roland@briceandburnett.co.za). Roland spent many years sharing and enjoying these wines with David Brice and is happy to provide further insight into the collection.
Critics Ratings
Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino 2008
“Lustrous ruby with orange tinges. Quite a stunning nose. Deep, layered and with notes of spice and iodine hints and touches of old leather. Sappy, layered and suave with finely crushed tannins. Orange and raspberry hints on the finish. Now at its peak but will still stay there for quite some time.” - Walter Speller, JancisRobinson.com, 17.5/20 (Nov 2022)
“This elegant red features balsamic highlights, with cherry and tobacco flavors focused by bright acidity. The tannins are dense and well-integrated, finishing with accents of sage, rosemary and earth.” - Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator, 90/100 (Jun 2013)
“The 2008 Brunello di Montalcino is perfumed with tart red and hints of black fruit, lifted by a compelling mix of mentholated herbs, licorice and roses. Silky yet lifted and pure in feel, this shows pretty red berries and inner florals, and balanced acids create a mouthwatering feel. I love the symmetry as this tapers off cheek puckering and fresh, making for an excellent option to accompany a meal today. While there are still a few years left for the 2008 to evolve, I don't see it as the longest lived vintage.” - Eric Guido, Vinous, 94/100 (Oct 2021)
Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino 2012
“Montalcino Nord (Montosoli). Bright garnet. High toned and refreshing. Round and appealing already. Veggy, racy finish. Sleek and refined. Nothing overdone.” - Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17/20 (Mar 2017)
“Loads of balsamic aromas and flavors -- juniper, rosemary, thyme, olive -- along with cherry, sanguine and tobacco notes are the hallmarks of this intense red. Well-integrated and complex, building to a long aftertaste.” - Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator, 95/100 (Jun 2017)
“The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino is stunning, finessed yet full of life, with bright cherry, sandalwood, shavings of cedar and dried Mediterranean herbs. It washes across the palate with a velvety mix of red currant and hints of balsamic spice, taking on a bit of a bitter twang toward the close. Hints of sour citrus and still slightly grippy tannins linger, as the 2012 shows its minerality, and hints of licorice slowly fade. I'd give the 2012 a few more years before really jumping in. It's stunning.” - Eric Guido, Vinous, 94/100 (Oct 2022)
