Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto Casanova di Neri 2013 (6L)

97 Points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate: "There are a handful of wines in Italy that make me nervous before I taste them because my expectations are so high. This is one of those wines. Indeed, previous editions of Cerretalto have earned the coveted 100 point score, and I am astutely aware of the pedigree and potential that comes forth with each new vintage. As enthusiastic as my assessment of the 2013 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto is, I'm stopping short of that perfect score. This vintage is something of a moving target with wines that are beautiful, without a doubt, yet the growing conditions were not even across the appellation, and achieving optimal tannic management posed a challenge to many producers. If I were to make any criticism of this wine, it would fall along those lines. That aside, this is a beautiful Brunello that boasts deep intensity and bold black fruit flavors that are plummy and rich. Spice, toasted oak and tobacco frame that primary fruit. Cerretalto ages in oak for 30 months and that strong imprint has added to the structure, depth and contemporary character of this A-list Brunello. That oak imprint is also reinforced in the wine's tannins. There's no doubt that this wine needs more cellar aging. " 1/19

97 Points, James Suckling: "There's a lot in this wine, in terms of complexity, that is all underpinned by concentrated, ripe and assertive red cherries. The oak is nicely placed and there's a sense of purpose and build on the palate that really sets it apart. High-class tannins. Try this from 2022." 2/19

98 Points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator: " The intense version is concentrated, with black cherry, blackberry, graphite, tobacco ad spice flavors, yet remains light-footes due to the racy profile. Structured, yet beautifully balanced and youthful. Shows purity and length on the aftertaste, which introduces a floral component. Best from 2022 through 2045." 3/19

100 Points, Luca Gardini, GardniNotes: "A great Brunello expressing talent and standing for years at the top of the category. Its nose reveals undergrowth and evergreen resin aromas. Besides, its mentolation and minerality are well-dosed. As always, it has more fresh than austere mouthful, with additionally implacable persistence." 2/19