1/31/20 Brunello Friday Sips Tasting

2014 PACENTI-CANALICCHIO
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
$39.99 BTL./$239.94 - SIX PACK

Located in the northern sector of Montalcino, Canalicchio is a sleeper producer who produces wines from an exquisite terroirs that provides immense elegance, polish, breed and depth. This wine takes on the traits of its maker…holding its cards close to his chest, very debonair and revealing its true personality on its own terms. One of my Brunello producers, and with good reason, Franco Pacenti is somewhat of a Leonardo Da Vinci of Montalcino - the man knows how to cram beautiful density in his wines as well as obtaining optimum finesse as well.

‘Luminous pale red. Extremely floral, perfumed nose speaks of violet, lily of the valley, rose, plus sour red cherry and cranberry cocktail. Juicy and penetrating in the mouth, with outstanding mineral lift to the fresh strawberry, red cherry and lime flavors. The mouthfeel is firm but not hard-edged, and the finish is very precise and refreshing, with tingling mouthwatering zingy acidity providing outstanding clarity and cut on the long evocative finish. A beautiful wine that is an essence of Sangiovese and one of the vintage’s five best Brunellos. – 93 POINTS VINOUS’

2016 PACENTI-CANALICCHIO
ROSSO DI MONTALCINO
$19.99 BTL./$199.94 - SIX PACK

From a soon-to-be-legendary vintage, Canalicchio’s 2016 Rosso is a hell of a Tuscan tipple that is so tasty for a mere 20 bucks.

Attractively put-together and a delightful expression of Montalcino terroir and character, violet, blackberry, sage and Christmas spice waft from the glass and carry over to the lavish texture. Sneaky structure is present, but Canalicchio’s suppleness and smoothness rule the day and are most present on the easy-going, crowd-pleasing, dark-berry finish. If you’re grilling a bit of beef on a Thursday evening and don’t want to uncork a Brunello, then this is your choice.

2012 PACENTI-CANALICCHIO
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO RISERVA
$74.99 BTL./$449.94 - SIX PACK

The Riserva word and designation at Franco Pacenti-Canalicchio truly has teeth and means something more than just an extra year. Quality soars and 2012 is a five-star vintage, one that we are very fortunate to taste today.

‘Good full red. Wonderfully clean, enticing aromas of red cherry, minerals, white pepper, aromatic herbs and smoke. Sappy and densely packed, showing terrific mineral lift to the rich ripe red berry and saline flavors. Bright and focused on the long, slowly building finish. Beautiful wine. – 95 POINTS, VINOUS’

2015 PACENTI-CANALICCHIO
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
Come and get a preview (as well as special pricing) for the upcoming release of the ultra-fabulous 2015 Brunello di Montalcino!