2021 Casanova di Neri Tenuta Nuova Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany

Dark berry, walnut, cedar, thyme and some caramel aromas that follow through to a medium to full body with firm tannins and a tight and racy mouthfeel. Citrus and cherries at the end. Needs time to open and soften, but this is a solid Brunello. Try after 2028.

98 points James Suckling

The Casanova di Neri 2021 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova comes across as more lifted and punchy compared to recent past vintages, showing a brighter fruit profile and added energy. I know that some whole-cluster fruit is used in the Giovanni Neri bottling, and there is a reminiscent aromatic effect on this wine that contributes to its primary freshness. The mouthfeel is medium-rich, and while the wine initially felt reserved, a return to the open bottle revealed a more expressive and harmonious profile, indicating that it benefits from time or a quick double decant. Introduced in the early 1990s, Tenuta Nuova marked a stylistic turning point for the estate, emphasizing precision, ripeness and site expression. The tannins are well managed and elegant, and the freshness arrives with well-judged intensity. Aging takes place for 30 months in tonneaux, rather than large casks, and production stands at 58,800 bottles.

96 points Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate

Casanova di Neri has been one of Montalcino's defining estates since Giovanni Neri founded the winery in 1971. Today, his son Giacomo continues the family's pursuit of exceptional Sangiovese, with Tenuta Nuova among their most celebrated wines. First produced in 1993, it helped establish a new benchmark for Brunello, combining remarkable concentration with elegance, freshness and a distinctive sense of place.

Tenuta Nuova comes from vineyards in the southeastern part of Montalcino, where the estate recognised the potential of previously overlooked land. The 2021 vintage enjoyed conditions well suited to structured, ageworthy Sangiovese, producing a wine with beautifully defined fruit and impressive balance.

Deep ruby red with garnet reflections. Black cherry, ripe raspberry and dark plum mingle with violet, dried rose, liquorice and sweet tobacco. The palate is concentrated and beautifully composed, with succulent dark fruit, vibrant acidity and firm, finely textured tannins. Notes of cedar, balsamic herbs and crushed stone carry through a long, savoury finish.

Try it with slow roasted lamb and rosemary, porcini mushroom pappardelle, or grilled eggplant with lentils, tomato and aged pecorino. A generous decant will help reveal its aromatic complexity while young.

Cellaring: Drink 2029 to 2048+. An excellent candidate for long term cellaring, with the structure and freshness to develop beautifully over two decades.