1996 Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino

Community Tasting Notes (6) Avg Score: 91.8 points

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  6/17/2023 - BellevuePhil Likes this wine: 92 Points

  As a globetrotting connoisseur of fine music and find wine, my palate has been graced by the finest culinary experiences from around the world. It is a rare pleasure when a wine aligns with my extravagant expectations. The 1996 Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino, an opulent masterpiece from the heart of Tuscany, proves that even after decades of existence, some wines transcend time, preserving their exceptional character and allure.
  
  This wine IS NOT PAST ITS PRIME, but patience is needed….
  
  Once she opened after a 1.4 hour decant and each glass swirling continually,I take my first sip, and a wave of pure indulgence washes over me. The palate is an orchestration of flavors, each instrument playing its part with impeccable precision. Ripe cherries and blackberries take center stage, while a chorus of dark chocolate, licorice, and tobacco elegantly harmonize. Layers of earthiness and mineral nuances bring depth and sophistication, further enhancing the experience.
  
  What sets the 1996 Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino apart is its remarkable balance. The tannins, although still present, have softened with age, bestowing a velvety texture that caresses the tongue. The wine glides effortlessly across the palate, leaving a lingering, nuanced finish that resonates like the final note of a virtuoso guitar solo.
  
  However, this beauty demands patience and finesse. Like a meticulously composed symphony, it requires a delicate touch to reach its full potential. Decanting and allowing it to breathe for a few hours before it unveils its true magnificence is paramount. A slight agitation of the glass reveals further depths, as if the wine were teasing you with its secrets. But oh, the reward is worth the wait.
  
  As a chef, I cannot help but envision the culinary masterpieces this wine would elevate to new heights. Rich, hearty dishes like braised short ribs or osso buco would find their perfect partner in this Brunello di Montalcino. The depth and complexity of flavors would harmonize, creating a harmonious crescendo on the palate that would leave guests in awe.
  
  For those fortunate enough to possess this remarkable vintage, it is a treasure to be savored and shared with discerning companions. It is a wine that whispers stories of the past while leaving an indelible mark on the present. The 1996 Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino has not passed its prime; rather, it stands as a testament to the timeless beauty that can be achieved when nature, tradition, and passion intertwine.
  
  In conclusion, the 1996 Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello still rocks!

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  12/31/2022 - kinkevi wrote:

  Very sad it’s pats its prime.

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  7/31/2022 - Justinneal654 Likes this wine: 89 Points

  It was just fine but not as delicious as expected. More prune and less earthy tobacco than I wanted. It evolved a little over 2-3 hours after a 1-2 hour decant but not as revelatory as many great mid90s Brunellos I have fortunate to taste.

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  4/27/2022 - Snoski62 wrote: 93 Points

  Wow! Decanted for about 1 hour before drinking. Still very lively with typical BdM characteristics. Deep brick color. Florals and some menthol on the nose. Deep, ripe red fruits and medium mouthfeel with good acidity. Integrated tannins, but a long finish with earth tones (tobacco, leather) lingering.

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  12/17/2021 - RoosterBird Likes this wine: 91 Points

  Still surprisingly powerful for its age. The wine took the better part of an hour to open up, and then presented a nose of dried cherries, and earth. The palate showed strong tannins and acidity still with crunchy, dried red fruit and leather. We had this at dinner with the ‘06, which we all felt showed a bit more at its peak.

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