Canalicchio di Sopra's 2004 Brunello di Montalcino is an intense, full-bodied red that is simply captivating for its seamless dark fruit and superb depth. Rich, round and delicious, this racy Brunello offers plenty of dark fruit with sweet scents of licorice, leather and spices that linger on the long, refined finish. Clean notes of minerality give the wine superb balance. This is easily the most elegant, refined Brunello I have tasted yet from Canalicchio di Sopra and is one of the highlights in 2004. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2022.

Dried violets, berries and hints of vanilla follow through to a full body, with racy, silky tannins and a tanned leather, berry aftertaste. Chewy. Needs bottle age to mellow. Better than the 2001.

Here's a Brunello with thick concentration and broad aromas of mesquite smoke, black cherry and Indian spice. Despite that bold bouquet the wine is actually tight and compact in the mouth, where it performs with easy elegance thanks to its bright acidity and lively wild berry flavors.