Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Giovanni Neri 2020

This magnificent estate was founded in 1971 by Giovanni Neri, who recognized early that Brunello’s greatness lay in the diversity of its soils and exposures. He quickly acquired a number of vineyards across distinct zones of the appellation and began vinifying them separately – an approach that later became the norm for the region. Under his son Giacomo’s stewardship, the estate continued uniting traditional Brunello structure with fastidious vineyard management and modern cellar techniques to become one of the greatest producers in Montalcino – and rival some of the greatest wines in the world.

In fact, they were the first to craft a Brunello that earned Wine Spectator’s coveted #1 of the year award, and the accolades have only continued from there. A handful of 100 point scores and widespread renown have combined to make this one of Tuscany’s most highly sought-after wineries.

This is only the third-ever release of the estate’s Giovanni Neri cru – the newest single cru addition to the family’s holdings. The fruit grows on 50-plus-year-old vines in an ancient, majestically wild vineyard in the heart of Montalcino’s Castelnuovo dell'Abate. This parcel has only been under the stewardship of Giovanni and Gianlorenzo Neri since 2018 – yet has already catapulted to the very top of the portfolio. It is, without a doubt, one of the finest young Brunellos I’ve ever tasted... and I can only wonder with awe-struck abandon what it will evolve into in the coming years and decades!

Pure, entrancing aromas of dusty rose, black truffles, lavender, and terra cotta clay seduce you straight out of the bottle, with a transcendental first sip that reveals raspberries, red currants, cherries, and blood orange – all perfectly and pristinely intermingled with spice accents of white pepper, sage, and star anise. A little bit of whole-cluster magic gives this a wild, distinctly Italian intensity – but the prettiness perseveres and expands, as this complex and layered gem shines brighter and brighter. We have this for over $85 off the retail price – and we’re doing FREE SHIPPING on every order. We get it – this isn’t a cheap wine. But there are certainly expensive wines that don’t live up to the hype, and then there are those that shake you to your very core... this is most certainly the latter! Triple 98 POINTS, fewer than five cases in stock... follow your heart on this one!

PAIRING IDEAS: Give this a simple pasta alla gricia (rigatoni with pancetta, Pecorino Romano, and black pepper). The salty, savory elements will really allow the robust, wild fruit and herbal undertones to open up.