Wine: 2006 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino
Region: Tuscany
Sokolin Price: $39.99/btl
Rating: 93 RP
Over the long holiday weekend, we had the opportunity to sample a 2006 Tuscan wine - the Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino. We knew this wine was going to be rocking before we even tried it. James Suckling has raved about the 2006 Brunellos over and over. "...The 2006 vintage for Brunello di Montalcino is the new benchmark for this famous Tuscan appellation and the Sangiovese grape. I can't think of a better expression of Tuscan wines than the best 2006 Brunello di Montalcinos...Brunello makers agree 2006 is their best effort...I think 2006 is THE greatest modern vintage for Sangiovese, and many of the 2006s are setting a new quality standard for Brunello producers..." - James Suckling on 2006 Brunellos.
Now if that doesn't convince you that the '06 Brunellos are SUPER, we're not sure what will! We've sampled a handful of Brunellos of this vintage, and they are the perfect expression of Tuscan Brunellos. We served the 2006 Casanova di Neri Brunello with baked lemon sole, roasted herb potatoes and an assortment of sautéed fresh vegetables. This wine is absolutely stunning, and yet, costs a fraction of the price of other similar 2006 Brunellos! Immediately upon opening, we could detect hints of dark fruits and toasted oak. It was followed by a very nice mid-weight body, which coated the palate, but was not too clawing. It had just the right balance and was a pop and pour. It was so perfectly balanced, and everything came together so harmoniously in this wine. And another great thing about this wine?it is drinking well now, and Parker says it can be consumed over the next 10 years!
With 93 points from the Wine Advocate, and its big brother, the Tenuta Nuova, receiving 100 points from James Suckling, it is an absolute top recommendation for only $39.99.
The Casanova di Neri estate was started in 1971 by Giovanni Neri, but once you taste their wines, you'd swear that you were drinking wines from a 100+ year old estate. You taste their talent when you experience their wines, and they really have made huge strides in just 40 years. Today, the estate still is family run, with Giovanni's son, Giacomo, operating the estate and creating magic with its grapes.
Recommendation: This wine is sold on pre-arrival and should arrive sometime this fall. Taste for yourself and see if you agree with James Suckling?but we have a feeling you will! Secure your quantities today before the price rises. You can't go wrong with a 2006 Brunello priced under $40!