Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino "White Label" DOCG 2018
(Tuscany, Italy) - [TWI 96] [WS 94] [WA 93] [JD 93] [VM 93] [JS 92]

About the Winery:

Casanova di Neri farm was founded in 1971 by Giovanni Neri following the purchase of an estate in the Montalcino area. Since the founder's passing in 1991, his son Giacomo has headed the company, managing the vineyards and the cellar himself, now assisted by his sons Giovanni and Gianlorenzo. 

Notes from the Winemaker:
The White Label Brunello, the first wine of the estate, has been produced since 1978. The area was considered less desirable because it was deemed too cool for proper ripening. Over time, climate change has worked in Neri’s favor, as the Cerretalto vineyard with its natural amphitheater overlooking the Asso River now has no problem reaching optimum ripeness.

Vineyard acquisition has been a continuing goal for the Neris, and the estate has grown to include seven different vineyards in various parts of the denomination, totaling 156 acres of vines along with forested tracts, arable fields, and 50 acres of olive trees. The vineyards have been planted or replanted mostly with cuttings propagated from old Sangiovese vines in the Cerretalto vineyard that produced distinctive, high-quality fruit.

Ratings & Reviews

96 Points - The Wine Independent:
"This 2018 Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino has very refined, sweet oak-spice with a little hint of vanilla, cream, pepper and cherry. The tannins are very finely-textured but firm and grippy and together with juicy acidity combine into a long, savory, tightly wound palate. There is good concentration here of black cherry fruit, as well as finely integrated oak flavors. This producer makes a firm style of Brunello but of excellent quality and this 2018 is no exception. This wine is not showing his full potential yet and needs more time to open up but already it has a lovely combination of firmness and finesse. Drink 2024-2040." - SH (5/28/23)

94 Points - Wine Spectator:
"A bright, fruity style, this red offers cherry, strawberry, currant, white pepper and mineral flavors. Reveals almond and earth accents as this extends on the finish. Features fine balance and mouthwatering length. Best from 2025 through 2042. 8,750 cases made, 2,500 cases imported." - BS (web only 2023)

93 Points - Wine Advocate:
"With a special commemorative label that celebrates its 40th birthday (1978–2018), the Casanova di Neri 2018 Brunello di Montalcino is lush and carefully concentrated to offer intensity and textural richness. The bright fruit remains intact in this wine, with plenty of cherry and blackberry, in an encouraging nod to the future cellar potential of this bottle. Many Brunellos from this vintage reveal faded or dried fruit, but thankfully not this wine. The acidity is mild, falling softly to the background, and the tannins are expertly managed. Only the finish is a bit leaner and quicker than anticipated. The wine ages in large oak casks for 42 months, and this year's production is an ample 105,000 bottles. Happy anniversary." - Monica Larner (Mar 2023)

93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"The 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino pours a rich ruby hue with a hint of garnet and reveals aromas of red cherry, red plum, leather, and rosemary. It is medium-bodied, with fine tannins and an elegant texture, iron-rich minerality, and notes of red plum, fresh earth, and pine. Refreshing with its acidity and well-balanced, this is a great wine for the value. Drink 2023-2033." (3/6/2023)

93 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2018 Brunello di Montalcino keeps me coming back to the glass to take in its pretty bouquet of dusty florals, exotic spices and dried strawberries. This is like pure silk on the palate, seamless and supple, with depths of dark red fruit and mineral tones that add a more tactile feel toward the close. Balsam herbs, cedar and tobacco all resonate throughout the long and dramatic finale, as fine tannins frame the experience with youthful poise. As is often the case, Casanova di Neri is a master at creating one of the region's most balanced and enjoyable "entry-level" Brunellos." - Eric Guido (Oct 2022)

92 Points - James Suckling:
"Lots of clean cherry and plummy character to the nose and palate. Medium- to full-bodied with dense, chewy tannins and a long finish. Lovely freshness of fruit here, but give the tannins a year or two to sink in. 40th anniversary bottling. Best from 2024." (Dec 2022)