Cerretalto. Le Cetine. Podernuovo. Pietradonice. Four special vineyards that comprise the heart of the Casanova di Neri Estate.
Founded in 1971 by Giovanni Neri, since 1991 the estate has been run by his son, Giacomo. Covering a total of 500 hectares, of which 63 are vineyards and 20 olive groves, the estate sits among some of the most beautiful forest and arable land in the Brunello zone.
Today we're focusing on a wine that takes its name from a single vineyard; Pietradonice. The vineyard was planted in 2000 in an abandoned onyx quarry. The resulting soil is Galestro heavily mixed with traces of minerals and onyx that lends a unique character to the wines the vineyard produces. Southeast of Montalcino, and with ideal exposure, the vineyard sits at 300 meters above sea level.
In addition to providing Sangiovese for the Tenuta Nuova Brunello, the Pietradonice vineyard also grows Cabernet. Today, we're focusing on the latest release, the 2010.
The 2010 Casanova di Neri Pietradonice is 100% Cabernet is fermented in open topped vats and then aged in French oak barrels for approximately 20 months. Finishing occurs in bottle fo 6 months prior to release.
The wine is a deep plum red color with slight lightening toward the rim of the bowl. The aroma of the wine is expansive, with crushed plums, spices, flowers, and a touch of vanilla. It's enticing. On the palate, the wine is simply pure and remarkable. Full bodied flavors of plums, minerals, mint, leather and spice are intense and woven together impeccably. The texture of the wine is silky smooth, with dusty powdery, mineral laced tannins caressing your palate. Great structure, indicative of the vintage, is easily matched by the architecture of this fruit. This is a stupendous Cabernet and quite a value. A quick search yields retail pricing from $45-$55. 95 points.
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| ~ One of the best Tuscan Cabernets I've ever had ~ |
Salute!
Nice!! John, do you think this wine can age well? I have a bottle of 2005 and i really don't know when to drink it..
ReplyDeleteHi Raph,
ReplyDeleteThe first reaction I had to tasting this wine was that it was a deftly crafted combination between Napa Valley and Tuscany. It had big, boisterous fruit, but lots of structure and complexity to go along with that. I have no doubt that the 2010 will age well.
As for 2005, it was not the greatest vintage in terms of fruit - a bit more austere, a bit more tannic. A generalization to be sure. But at 10 years of age, I think I'd give your 2005 a go.
Let me know what you do!