2006 - Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto, Casanova di Neri

Holy gorgeousness! The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto is a knock-out beauty. This wine far surpassed my expectations and the memory I have of it from when I first tasted it on release six years back. This vintage has gained in precision, length and focus. It has shed a lot of its baby fat to reveal a muscular and beautifully balanced body. Its core is composed of wild berry, spice, leather and balsam herb—that latter aroma is something of a signature touch for Casanova di Neri. Despite all that enormous complexity and depth, this 2006 vintage still tastes young and tonic. The tannins are youthful, and this wine still has more potential for a slow-aging evolution ahead.

Bright, deep red. Liqueur-like aromas of creme de cassis, black cherry, blackberry, minerals and spices turned a bit pruney in the glass. Sweet, plush and superripe, with complementary sexy oak. This liqueur-like, powerfully structured wine verges on heavy, and its tannins will require time to mellow in bottle.