TASTING AT CASANOVA DI NERI - Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy (9/20/2005)

We tasted through the wines at Casanova di Neri, which is just down the hill and close to the city of Montalcino. Casanova di Neri owns 45 hectares of vineyards divided into 4 areas: the Pietradonice in Castelnuovo dell'Abate, the Cetine in S. Angeleo in Colle, and the Cerratalto and the Fiesole on the main property. They are building an amazing new winemaking facility where they will use 100% gravity (no pumping) in their winemaking process. The facility has a beautiful view over the valley floor and is quite large.

As of 9/20 when we visited they had not harvested many grapes due to rainy and cool weather. The weather was quite nice while we were there and they expected to harvest starting the next day.

• 2003 Casanova di Neri Rosso di Montalcino Rosso - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino
  Tasted at the winery; Slightly spicy and not very memorable. 10 Euro. (86 pts.)
  
• 2000 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
  Tasted at the winery; Garnet with a slightly orange rim; I picked up a slight herbaceous note on the finish that was a positive. Good Brunello for the vintage. 22 Euro. (90 pts.)
  
• 2000 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
  Tasted at the winery; Garnet in color with a spicy nose and a soft velvety mouthfeel. Flavors included coffee and herbs through the middle and on the finish. Again good Brunello for the vintage. Quite good. 27.50 Euro. (91 pts.)
  
• 1999 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino
  Tasted at the winery; Spicy oak on the nose in a massive structure. Espresso and tar flavors in the middle. Outstanding concentration and style. This tasted like a potential WOW (95+) wine with the appropriate aging. This is one to consider if you like great Brunello. Very expensive even at the winery at 80 Euro, mags 160 Euro. (94 pts.)
  

They had a good selection of wine for sale on the property including the 1997 Cerretalto Brunello. Most wines were also available in magnums. I purchased the 1997 and 1999 Cerretalto Brunellos.

Posted from CellarTracker

This is one I will be looking for on close-outs when the 2001 Brunellos hit the pipe. Tasty!

• 2000 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova - Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino (2/8/2006)
  Purchased at an Italian restaurant; This Brunello had raspberries, spices and florals on the nose. There was still some oak present in the midpalate along with red fruits. It had a great long finish with violets and spices. There was some hollowness in the midpalate that kept the score down. Otherwise it is quite a good Brunello that should drink well younger than other vintages. [~$50 if purchased now; Decanted and at a good serving temperature which improved the wine over the course of the dinner] (91 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

Had the 2000 Brunello last night; drank over 4 hours; tannic and full nose; better in the first 2 hours; closed down in the last 2 hours; 91-92 points