Casanova di Neri's 2005 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova is one of the revelations of the vintage, as it has aged well. Today, there is little question the 2005 Tenuta Nuova is superior to the 2004. Freshly cut flowers, mint, graphite and dark red stone fruits are all super-expressive in the glass. This is a fabulous showing for the Tenuta Nuova in a challenging vintage. The 2005 will drink well for at least a handful of years.

A layered and rich red with dark berries, plums and a chocolate character. Full body, round and velvety tannins and a dusty texture. Medium acidity, too. A Brunello with beautiful length and intensity. Drink now!

The 2005 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova opens to a slightly herbal bouquet with balsam and medicinal tones. You get a good amount of smaller fruit detailing with wild berry, sour cherry and blackberry. Savory tobacco and leather fill in the rear. This was the first vintage to be made in Casanova di Neri's new refurbished winery. This Brunello stands out for its elegance and silkiness. The mouthfeel is gracefully silky and smooth.

The 2005 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova is quite a bit darker and richer than the straight Brunello. Cherries, plums, spices and French oak meld together beautifully in this silky, textured red. In 2005 the Tenuta Nuova boasts fabulous overall balance in a fairly restrained style for this bottling. Kirsch, roses and spices linger on the dark, enveloping finish. This is a terrific effort from Casanova di Neri. The Tenuta Nuova is made from vineyards in Le Cetine and Pietradonice, both located in the southern part of Montalcino. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2022. (Antonio Galloni)

Exhibits blueberry and vanilla cream, with zabaglione undertones. Full-bodied, with velvety, chewy tannins and a long aftertaste of sweet fruit. Solid and rich for the vintage. Best after 2011. 4,935 cases made. (James Suckling)