The 1997 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a wine that totally took me off guard. I associate Canalicchio di Sopra with a classic, so-called “traditional” style that puts an emphasis on the smallest details like delicate nuances and lithe sensations. This wine is obviously born from a very different mindset, a more powerful vintage. Bold and broad-shouldered, it is packed tight with pressed cherry, anise seed, tar and black licorice. It changes tune slightly in the mouth where it walks with quieter footsteps. This wine is at its peak performance right now and may fade fast. I recommend a shorter decanting. Drink: 2014-2019.