This was a difficult vintage that shows encouraging results today (compared to the Cerretalto). The wine reveals many of the aromatic characteristics and tasting traits that are so specific to the Casanova di Neri house style. In fact, that identity starts to take shape with the 1996 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova. Polished and precise balsam notes of grilled rosemary, licorice root and cola emerge with immediate focus. More ethereal tones of dark spice, tar, iodine and rust fill in the rear. The finish is polished, precise and long. There’s still enough inner fruit and energy locked within to give the wine the pretty momentum it so effortlessly displays at this moment. This robust edition of Tenuta Nuova is living in a happy drinking plateau.