Notes:

Wine Spectator, Web Only 2008
($80) Intense aromas of blackberry, licorice and black cherry. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a chewy finish. Has impressive structure for the vintage. Very well-made. 92 points

Casanova di Neri's 2003 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova caresses the palate with plenty of silky-textured dark red cherries, plums, smoke, earthiness and sweet toasted oak. This polished modern-styled wine offers superb balance in a rich, weighty style that will find many admirers. The tannins are remarkably well-integrated, which is quite a feat in this vintage. To be sure, there isn-t much of what could be called varietal character here but by any definition this is a beautiful wine on an absolute level. The Tenuta Nuova spent 30 months in 600-liter barrels, of which 35% were new. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019. Wine Advocate 92