2012 - Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova, Casanova di Neri

This 2012 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova had a dark garnet color and the nose showed a little evolution, having developed some beef consommé and oxidative notes. A second bottle proved to be better, with warm spice, a touch of polish and smoky, violet aromas. On the palate it has an attractive, smooth texture, but the tannins are a little drying and there are some crunchy, green elements to the flavors and a little tarry note to the dark, bramble fruit. 2012 was quite a hot, dry vintage at times with no rain from July to mid September and some days in August when the hot, dry Sicirocco wind from Africa blew and this meant that the vines shut down at times and stopped ripening the tannins. This wine reflects the vintage acurately but shnow showing a little age.

Dark bright red-ruby. Deep, complex aromas of red cherry, licorice, graphite and fresh herbs, lifted by a note of white pepper with riper hints coffee and blackberry jam. The flavors are similar to the aromas and have a strong mineral tang that dissipates with aeration. Offers excellent energy and verve and youthfully chewy tannins that will require patience. This is a rare Tenuta Nuova that actually reminds me of Cerretalto, with its darker than usual frut aromas and flavors and hints of graphite. Be aware, that like Casanova di neri’s 2012 classico Brunello, this also benefits greatly from four to five hours in the glass.