Casanova Di Neri Brunello 2017 (750ML)

96 WI / 94+ WA

This 2017 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino has a very young looking, opaque, blue-toned ruby color. The nose is open and appealing with black cherry fruit but also some lighter red fruit notes and what feels like a lighter oak regime which adds some less heavy, attractive spice notes. On the palate there is a note of dark, charred oak and a tar note but this combines attractively with lovely blue-flower, black-purple berried fruit and firm tannins. An ambitious, muscular and powerful style from the hot, dry 2017 vintage but with a very appealing new lightness of touch. - Susan Hulme, Wine Independent

The Casanova di Neri 2017 Brunello di Montalcino delivers unexpected grace and a floral profile that is not common to find in this scorching-hot and dry vintage. In faithful Casanova di Neri fashion, the wine is bold and dark in appearance, and although the bouquet is dominated by purple and black fruits, there is a brief interlude of fresh garden rose or lilac. That little moment changes up the momentum of this wine in a most positive way by allowing for a harmony of low tones and high tones that are well matched here. The wine is robust, structured and velvety to the palate, but ultimately this expression is far more delicate than I would have ever expected for a 2017 Brunello. This is a nice surprise. - Monica Larner, Wine Advocate