The 2006 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova, with its warm, resonant fruit, was a crowd favorite. And no wonder. It was dark, beautiful and highly suggestive of the southern reaches of Montalcino, where the climate and vegetation show distinctly Mediterranean influences.

This remains a perfect wine with such depth, intensity and incredible structure. Full body and powerful tannins. Yet, there is so much fruit and flavor. A kaleidoscope of flavors such as wet earth, blackberries, black tea, cigar box and earth. A different level. Drinkable now, but it’s one in the cellar for a long time. Why wait?

I tried this wine from two bottles and this review is based on the second sample. The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova soars high and far with abundant and beautifully intense aromas. The bouquet presents a very precise and focused nature with black fruit surrounded by pressed rose petal, dried violets and campfire ash. In the mouth, the wine is precise and focused. All these qualities help fuel a sense of length and balance.

A modern version, with toast and spice notes from oak, yet also freshness and a vibrant persona. At its core is cherry, plum and licorice flavors, with a sweet ripeness that matches the refined tannins. There's a fine aftertaste of fruit and spice. BS

Medium red-ruby. Initially less expressive than the classico, hinting at licorice and smoky oak, but enticing blackberry and violet scents emerged with air. Concentrated, powerful and very firmly built, with a brooding medicinal reserve to the dark fruit flavors. Wonderfully sweet wine with an insidiously suave texture. Finishes very long, with tannins coating the front teeth without coming across as dry or harsh. This distinctly muscular Brunello should evolve slowly.