Casanova di Neri Tenuta Nuova 2020

The Casanova di Neri 2020 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova stands apart in the context of this portfolio. I get a distinctly creamy note that cedes to almond paste, sweet cherry and chalky stone. The wine is open-knit and generous with velvety tannins and no bitterness on the finish. It has the bulk and the fresh fruit concentration for long cellar aging. It is texturally rich, ending with hints of cedar spice and something that reminds me of freshly broken tree branches. Yields were down by about 15% in this vintage. The wine matures in 500-liter barrels for 30 months, and 63,000 bottles were created.

Solidly in the fruity camp, this black cherry–, blackberry- and plum-flavored red is fleshy and supple, with a vibrant structure underneath. Dense and multilayered on the extended, mineral-tinged finish, where this remains well-defined and refreshing. Best from 2028 through 2045. 5,250 cases made, 1,800 cases imported.

This is vibrant and fresh with firm, integrated tannins that melt into the wine. Medium-bodied, but with tension, focus and length. A bitter-orange note comes through. Drinkable now, but better in 2026.

Dark maturing ruby with orange tinges. Lush oak and cherry nose with saline, minerally notes. A little embryonic on the palate with a core of cherry fruit and with the oak much less prominent. Long, firm but finely ground tannins on the finish. Lots of stuffing on the finish and with great balance. Needs more bottle age.

A jeweled magenta/ruby color, the 2020 Brunello Di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova is perfumed with preserved flowers, kirsch, fresh herbs, sage, and mossy earth. Full and elegant, it offers a silky mouthfeel, ripe tannins, even acidity, and a lovely, pure, concentrated, fresh feel. It's long on the palate, with its mouthwatering salinity and prettier red strawberry-noted perfume lasting on the finish. It's both approachable now and impeccably structured to enjoy over the coming 15-20 years.

Crowning this estate’s three Brunello releases in 2020, Tenuta Nuova encapsulates its dry, balmy, forested surroundings near Sant’Angelo in Colle with aplomb. It was picked on the mornings of September 15 to 17 to avoid the afternoon heat. The nose offers pronounced rosemary, thyme and tobacco, lightly sprinkled with cocoa. Plump red plum and ripe persimmon are layered between sweet, dusty tannins. Zesty, citrussy acidity gives an invigorating lift. There are no rough edges here – it's irresistible now but with the stuffing and substance for another 12-15 years.

The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova elevates things to a profound place. A cascade of cloves and allspice complement dried violets, blackberries and hints of sage. This is a total pleasure on the palate, cool-toned and soft-textured with ripe wild berry fruits underscored by minerals and spice. It finishes perfumed and dramatically long, leaving a resonance of licorice with blue and purple inner florals that linger over a bed of fine tannins. The 2020 Tenuta Nuova is dreamy with a classic feel that keeps me looking back to the glass for more. Bravo.