Brunello di Montalcino Casanova di Neri 2015 (1.5L)

95 Points, Zachys Buying Team: "While we agree with James on this the beauty and approachability of the 2015 Brunello Normale, we gave it a slightly higher note as we were blown away by the quality and price of this wine. When we tasted the 2015 Normale, we all looked at each other and knew it was special. The wine was brimming with energy, enticing aromas of red fruits, flowers, and hints of sweet spices, all which carried through to the palate and lingered in a long finish. The tannins were super fine and delicate balanced by the acidity which gave the wine energy. This was all elegance and finesse. We all kept going back for more, but rest assured the 2015 Brunello Normale has the hallmarks of an age-worthy Brunello!" 9/19.

94 points, Monica Larner, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate: "The Neri family has created a classic expression of Sangiovese from a classic vintage, while remaining faithful to the house style. In a nutshell, these wines always tend to offer dark plum, clove and fig confit over the tiny berry and blue flower aromas you get from the traditionalists. That said, this Brunello needs ample time to open, and I suggest you splash it into the decanter. The Casanova di Neri 2015 Brunello di Montalcino (this is the one with the white label) stays safely within your expectation of the vintage with its variety-driven aromas of wild berry, licorice, blue flower and balsam herb. This wine sees fruit sourced from a vineyard on the northeast side of Montalcino, with Galestro soils ranging from 330 to 480 meters above sea level. Some 95,376 bottles were made. It was bottled in June 2019, and it hit the market in January 2020. You might want more from the aromatics (while you wait for the bouquet to come around), but this wine goes gangbusters in terms of mid-palate and overall texture." 01/20

94 Points, Ian D'Agata, Vinous: "Good deep red. Saline aromas and flavors of red cherry, blueberries, herbs, blood orange and sweet spices. Smooth and long on the bright, very sweet finish. Really quite good." 4/20

94 Points, James Suckling: "There's beauty and drinkability to this wine that really is enticing with blueberry and cherry aromas, as well as hints of hot stone and licorice. Medium to full body, integrated tannins and a fresh and polished finish. Shows focus and brightness. Very drinkable now, but better in a year or two. Try in 2021." 10/19

94 Points, Michaela Morris, Decanter: "The Casanova di Neri estate is located in the northeastern zone of Torrenieri. Besides five distinct sites there, the Neri family also has three vineyards in the south between the villages of Sant'Angelo in Colle and Castelnuovo dell'Abate. The 'white label' as this Brunello is called blends plots from the cooler Torrenieri area. It is mid-weight and classy, offering gleaming bright, fresh red cherry flavours. Hints of rust and warm stone as well as subtle sweet spice add complexity. Tactile but fine sandy tannins give appropriate support and the finish is vibrant and perfumed." 2/20

94 Points, J.D'Angelo, International Wine Report: "The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino from Casanova di Neri is absolutely stunning in this vintage, and it looks to be one of the finest releases ever from the Neri family. Showing wonderful class and sophistiction, this gorgeous Brunello begins with inviting aromas of dried cherries and wild berries that come together with licorice, fresh flowers, spices and wild herbs that all take shape beautifully in the glass. On the palate this is just as impressive, at it possesses a lovely elegant texture, with fine silky tannins that glide effortlessly into the long lingering finish. Displaying outstanding balance and structure, this has the potential to evolve for over two decades, and although it is already fantastic today, it could still benefit from some short term cellaring." 3/20