2008 Casanova di Neri, Brunello di Montalcino, Tenuta Nuova

This is very floral with blackberries on the nose. It's full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a ripe fruit, caramel and berry aftertaste. Delicious for the vintage. One of the wines of the vintage. Better in 2015.

The estate's 2008 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova is bold, frank and direct. Mocha, plums, black cherries, savory herbs and flowers are some of the notes that take shape in the glass. Overall, the 2008 is a fairly mid-weight Tenuta Nuova, with less structure than the 2006 or 2007, but with plenty of early appeal. The dense, layered finish is highly appealing.

The 2008 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova is a light-footed wine with a delicate approach. The bouquet is laced with small berry aromas and red currant with balsam herb, grilled rosemary, violets and exotic spice. Compared to the previous vintage, this wine does not have as much volume or density. It is softly layered, silky and finely textured instead. This wine is drinking beautifully right now.

(15% alcohol): Bright, full ruby-red. Red cherry, red licorice and pungent herbs on the nose. Supple, sweet and silky on entry, with reticent but pure red berry and flint flavors complicated by fresh herbs, flowers and a wild element of underbrush; firmed by solid acidity. Finishes with substantial building tannins and serious structure. Very suave and classically dry, but I would have liked a little more fruit for a higher score. The bottle's label carries a 30th vendemmia designation.