1 | Wine | Page 256

"The 2007 Brunello di Montalcino bursts from the glass with freshly cut flowers, violets, leather, licorice and black cherries. Firm underlying tannins lend vibrancy to the voluptuous fruit. The Casanova di Neri straight bottling – sometimes referred to as the “white label” – is made from some of the estate’s cooler sites. In 2007 the wine has more depth, fruit and overall harmony than is typically the case. Bright acidity frames the long, polished finish. In short, this is a fabulous wine from Giacomo Neri. Along with the 2006, the 2007 is one the best and most complete vintages I can remember tasting in some time. Most importantly of all, though, it is flat-out delicious."

"The 2009 Bourgogne is a beautiful, harmonious wine bursting with juicy red fruit. The soft, engaging personality makes this an excellent choice for drinking over the next few years."

"Bright ruby-red. High-pitched aromas of cassis, blackberry, licorice pastille and violet. Round, suave and lush but with lovely inner-mouth lift to the cassis and chocolate flavors. Serious depth here, and quite ripe for 2010. Finishes seamless, subtle and long, with suave, chocolatey tannins. This youthfully medicinal blend seems built for a graceful evolution in bottle."

"One of the stars of the vintage, and a remarkable achievement in 2008, with impressive richness, this dense purple colored wine is almost as opaque as the 2010. Spring flowers, crushed rocks, creme de cassis and some subtle oak are followed by a full-bodied, concentrated wine that transcends the vintage character in its power, richness, and aging potential. It also exhibits tremendous precision, purity, and depth of character." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"Floral, lemon, apple and cream with dried pineapple and apricot. Full-bodied, but very focused and refined. It starts slowly and then, wham! It goes on and on. Spicy, dried fruits and spices. Full-bodied, medium-sweet. So long and exciting." 95-100 pts.