2017 Brunello di Montalcino, Casanova di Neri

"The Casanova di Neri 2017 Brunello di Montalcino delivers unexpected grace and a floral profile that is not common to find in this scorching-hot and dry vintage. In faithful Casanova di Neri fashion, the wine is bold and dark in appearance, and although the bouquet is dominated by purple and black fruits, there is a brief interlude of fresh garden rose or lilac. That little moment changes up the momentum of this wine in a most positive way by allowing for a harmony of low tones and high tones that are well matched here. The wine is robust, structured and velvety to the palate, but ultimately this expression is far more delicate than I would have ever expected for a 2017 Brunello. This is a nice surprise." ~ (94) Monica Larner, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 2-17-2022

"Lustrous mid ruby. Brooding, sweet fruit nose with a suggestion of oak but otherwise still a little closed. Concentrated deep sweet-sour cherry palate with fine but firm tannins. Very long and elegant rather than powerful." ~ (17) Walter Speller, JancisRobinson.com 2-28-2022

"A firm and chewy 2017 that is slightly austere but still provides a lively and dark-fruited palate. Medium to full body. Give this a year or two to soften. Try after 2023." ~ (91) James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 12-5-2021

~ (92) Eric Guido, Vinous 12-1-2021