Casanova di Neri Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto 2012

100 points Falstaff Guide: "Rich, deep ruby with garnet glints. Intense and layered nose, of dark cherries, violets, fresh juicy plums, olive paste and dried tomatoes, very inviting. Rich, firm approach on the palate, lots of warmth, dark, ripe fruit, tightly woven tannins entwined with sweet texture, salty and long, to lie in! Alcohol 15%. (3/16/18)"

99 points International Wine Report: "The 2012 Cerretalto Brunello di Montalcino is another masterpiece from Casanova di Neri. Year after year, this remarkable wine pushes the limits of perfection, and there is no exception in this vintage. This magnificent wine begins with absolutely striking aromatics of ripe dark berries, dark cherries, exotic spices, tobacco, graphite and spring flowers all coming together and bursting from the glass. On the palate this is remarkably structured, with outstanding overall depth and concentration. It continues to impress with its beautiful polished tannins and an incredible combination of power and sheer class through the finish. Once again Cerretalto is nothing short of utterly fascinating, and I only expect this to continue become even more compelling as it evolves gracefully over time. Drink: 2020-2040. (Feb 2018)"

98 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto offers a prolonged, flowing and carefully massaged drinking experience that drapes over the senses with some studied intensity and lots of intriguing complexity. This wine nails that perfect balance between power and elegance (that elusive exchange that so many winemakers hope to achieve) with effortless precision. Bold cherry fruit and spice are tightly woven together. In the mouth, the wine shows texture, depth and succulence. Generally speaking, this is not my favorite vintage in Montalcino, but this wine suddenly made me forget that thought. Drink: 2022-2045. (Mar 2018)"

98 points Bruce Sanderson (Wine Spectator): "Flavors of medicinal herbs, juniper, macerated cherry, plum, tobacco and spice are the hallmarks of this intense red, which is ripe and concentrated, yet sleek and focused. Spice notes chime in on the long, minerally and firmly tannic finish. Best from 2023 through 2040. 831 cases made, 150 cases imported. (6/30/18)"

98 points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "A rich ruby hue, the 2012 Brunello Di Montalcino Cerretalto is ripe and pure, with kirsch, polished leather, anise, and cedar. It is full-bodied without weight and has an elegant yet expansive mouthfeel, with ripe tannins and a velvety texture balanced with fresh acidity. It has fantastic length, with notes of wild raspberry, red plum, dried rose petal, and sweet herbs. It is in a beautiful place for drinking now and shows no signs of slowing down or moving into more tertiary notes. An exquisite wine, it warrants decanting as it opens. Drink 2023-2043. (3/6/23)"

97 points James Suckling: "The density is so impressive in this great single-vineyard wine of Casanova. It's full yet agile at the same time. Shows such integrated tannins and fresh acidity at the finish. Energized and focused. Tangy and citrusy. Mineral undertone. One of the great Brunellos of 2012. Better in 2022. (1/4/18)"