Casisano Brunello di Montalcino

James Suckling, Oct/2024

2020 -

"Relatively light yet structured wine. Leafy and pistachio tones and fresh, floral aromas, such as roses and violets, with leather and black pepper. Medium-bodied with crisp acidity and tight yet ripe tannins that turn more austere on the finish. Drink after 2025."

James Suckling, Sep/2023

2019 -

"Dense and focused. Lots of dark fruits, bark, and a hint of cloves. Medium-bodied and creamy on the palate. Rather tensioned and juicy at the finish. Drink or hold."

Antonio Galloni's Vinous, Nov/2023

2019 -

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino wafts up with a pretty blend of dried strawberries and cedary spice offset by lifting menthol and violet pastille aromas. This is juicy in character with herbal-tinged wild berry fruits and nervous acidity, all spiced up by a zesty touch of tangerine. The 2019 finishes fresh with a vivid red licorice tinge. Orange notes fade amongst subtly grippy tannins."

Jeb Dunnuck, Feb/2024

2019 -

"Pouring a rich ruby color, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino displays a ripe and rather mature nature. Aromas of strawberry pie, baking spices, and balsamic herbs lift from the glass. Snappy acidity lifts the palate, and the wine is medium to full-bodied, with its ripe fruit holding on underneath. I would prefer to drink this over the next several years to preserve what freshness of fruit it has."

James Suckling, Nov/2022

2018 -

"I like the savory undertones here with peach pits, cracked walnuts, incense, mulberries, lemons and bay leaves. Savory and tangy, with fine and approachable tannins and a medium body. Succulent and zesty finish that carries long. Drink from 2023."

Decanter, Nov/2022

2018 -

"The 2018 Casisano conveys both freshness of the vintage and its high-altitude site deftly and sincerely. As the estate will not come out with a Riserva, lots from the Colombaiolo vineyard were blended here. It is delicate without being fragile or deficient. Aromas start with a glossy candied red fruit character progressing to leafy herbs, juniper and strawberry. Lean and light, this is very crisp with almost-bracing acidity yet with sufficient padding to counter. The fine tannins are tautly fastened."

Antonio Galloni's Vinous, Oct/2022

2018 -

"An inviting mix of dusty dried flowers, plum and scant black cherry swirl up from the 2018 Brunello di Montalcino. This steps lightly, with soft, enveloping textures offset by juicy acidity giving way to rose-tinged red fruit. It leaves the slightest tug of fine tannin and hints of sour citrus while finishing remarkably fresh and lifted."

Jeb Dunnuck, Mar/2023

2018 -

"Moving to the 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino, this has a sunny character, with baked cherry, cinnamon, and sweet Mediterranean herbs. It is medium-bodied, with dried raspberry, blood orange, and turned earth, and has fine tannins and tangy acidity. A charming wine, it offers an elegant style to drink over the next handful of years."

Decanter, Nov/2021

2017 -

"Winemaker Emiliano Falsini kept fermentation temperatures to a moderate 24-25°C degrees and shortened maceration times for a gentle extraction. Immediately appealing and expressive, aromas of forest berries, pepper and tarragon leap from the glass. A juicy mouthful of orange and pomegranate follows with almost a sweetness to the fruit. Lovely fragrance speaks to Casisano’s high altitude vineyards, which sit at approximately 500 metres above sea level. The palate is smooth in texture and fine-boned in structure. Attractive mid-term drinking here. Drinking window: 2022-2027"

James Suckling, Feb/2022

2017 -

"This is toned and dense with energy and focus. Full-bodied, but framed and together, despite being very ripe. Cherries, orange peel and walnuts. Solid for a 2017 with outstanding energy. Drink or hold."

Wine Spectator, Jun/2022

2017 -

"Perfumed aromas of flowers and spices frame the cherry and currant fruit flavors in this elegant red. A touch of herbs provide a savory edge, while bright acidity and light tannins lend support. Balanced and lingers nicely on the loam- and spice-tinged finish. Drink now through 2037."

Antonio Galloni's Vinous, Nov/2021

2017 -

"A bright, invigorating display of wild strawberries laced with sweet smoke, violet and rose tones emanates from the 2017 Brunello di Montalcino. This is delicate and lifted in feel, offering ripe red berries and plums offset by a hint of candied citrus. Nuances of clove, savory spices and currant linger through the long, lightly structured finale. I’m enjoying the 2017 for its beauty, yet it seems to be at the expense of depth and power."

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Feb/2022

2017 -

"The Casisano 2017 Brunello di Montalcino certainly shows a richer personality with dried cherry and plum plus some dusty earth and toasted chestnut husk. There are herbal notes on the close with lavender oil..."

Wine Enthusiast, Apr/2022

2017 -

"This opens with aromas of tobacco, blue flowers and baked plum. Soft and easygoing, the accessible, medium-bodied palate offers fleshy black cherry and baking spice alongside polished tannins. Drink through 2027." - Kerin O'Keefe

James Suckling, Nov/2020

2016 -

"Subtle aromas of sweet berries and flowers with some cedar and cured meat. It’s firm and very creamy with ripe tannins and a soft, pretty finish. Lovely ripeness at the end. Drinkable now, but better in two or three years."

Antonio Galloni's Vinous, Nov/2020

2016 -

"The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino shows a classic bouquet with a mix of dried cherries and strawberries, complemented by shavings of cedar, cinnamon, leather and dusty earth. Soft, silky textures soothe as tart woodland berries, salty minerals and fine tannins saturate, creating a youthfully poised expression. Tension remains high throughout the structured finale, yet with plenty of primary fruit to balance. The 2016 is full of potential, but it will require some time to soften and fill out."

Wine Spectator, Jun/2021

2016 -

"There is a mix of cherry, currant, plum, leather, spice and sanguine flavors highlighting this stylish, yet firmly-structured red. Harmonious, the ripe fruit balances resonant tannins, ending with a fine iron-tinged finish. Best from 2024 through 2043."

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Feb/2022

2016 -

"The Casisano 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is a nicely contoured and sharp expression with fresh and vibrant fruit that cedes to toasted almond, potting soil and crushed flowers. With fruit from galestro-rich soils, the wine delivers varietal purity in terms of its bouquet, but it ultimately comes in short and thin in terms of mouthfeel."

Wine & Spirits, Apr/2022

2016 -

Decanter, Mar/2021

2016 -

"From a relatively cool, high altitude site, Casisano’s 2016 is more angular than its 2015 counterpart. The Tommasi team gave it a slightly longer maceration of 25 days, with fewer pump overs for a slower, more gentle extraction. It needs some time to integrate its wood notes and allow the somewhat rigid tannins to relax. Attractive nuances of forest floor, woodland berries, sweet spice and cedar are promising, and it finishes with the vintage’s zippiness."

Wine Enthusiast, May/2021

2016 -

"The nose is quite shy but eventually releases suggestions of red berry, forest floor and camphor. The smooth, medium-bodied palate is elegantly structured, offering sour cherry, orange zest and star anise alongside fine-grained tannins. Drink 2023–2028."

James Suckling, Nov/2019

2015 -

"This is a very floral red, showing hibiscus, rhubarb, citrus and rosemary. Medium-to full-bodied with attractive depth of fruit, fine yet chewy tannins and a zesty, building finish. Tightly wound and understated, this Brunello will need time to come together fully, but is already showing a soft-spoken, graceful persona. Drink from 2024."

Wine Spectator, Jun/2020

2015 -

"This hits all the right notes, from the cherry, black currant, mineral and tobacco flavors to the lively structure and polished tannins. A woodsy mushroom element adds interest as this builds to a lingering aftertaste. Best from 2023 through 2042. 3,750 cases made, 1,500 cases imported."

Decanter Magazine, Feb/2020

2015 -

"The first vintage in which the Tommasi family had full control over the production at the southeast facing Casisano property, which sits at 480 metres above sea level. Despite warm conditions, the cooler microclimate is evident in this fresh, perfumed Brunello. Fragrant mint, cedar and forest floor lead to a savoury rather than fruity palate. Dense fruit is framed by tactile, textured tannins and countered by bright, tangy acidity. Well done!"

Antonio Galloni's Vinous, Apr/2020

2015 -

"Bright dark red. Aromas of strawberry, minerals, smoke and herbs. Suave and silky, with harmonious acidity giving the wine's red fruit and herb flavors a ripe polished nuance. Still broodingly young and not yet very complex, the long finish boasts good lift."

Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate. Jan/2020

2015 -

"This vintage represents the first wine made entirely under the care of the estate's new owners, the Tommasi family of Valpolicella, and winemakers Emiliano Falsini and Giancarlo Tommasi. The Casisano 2015 Brunello di Montalcino reveals classic Sangiovese aromas of wild cherry, blue flower, licorice and moist earth. I can't help noticing that the mouthfeel is shorter and less impactful than other expressions from this vintage. The wine fades on the finish, but that snappy variety-driven acidity kicks in on the close. This is a more accessible and informal expression of Brunello. Fruit comes from a nine hectare vineyard located at 500 meters above sea level with Galestro rich soils. The wine was bottled in July 2019 and hits the market in February 2020. Some 45,000 bottles were made."

Wine Enthusiast, May/2018

2013 -

“This opens with aromas of underbrush, new leather, pressed blue flower and a whiff of game. On the medium-bodied palate, polished fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity support dried black cherry, orange zest and star anise. Drink after 2023.”

Michael Godel, Wine Align, Mar/2018

2013 -

"The Casisano Estate is found eight kilometres south of the town in Sant'Angelo in Colle, incidentally of population 204, as noted by a 2011 census. At 500m the vineyards benefit from temperature swings and the necessity of prevailing cool winds from the sea to the west. The Brunello developed here (like Ragnaie) turns out classic red clay and stone derived deep cherry liqueur but of a constitution and flavour unlike any other sangiovese on earth. It's almost brambly and even a bit scorched. It's rich, proper and righteous. Best of all, the best years still lay ahead. Drink 2019-2024. Tasted March 2018."

Wine Spectator, Oct/2018

2013 -

"Firm, laced with cherry, leather and earth flavors, this red is chewy, with dusty tannins building on the finish. Best from 2020 through 2032. 300 cases imported."

Wine Spectator, Sept/2017

2012 -

"A vegetal aroma gives way to cherry and leafy underbrush notes in this vibrant red. Firm and chalky in texture, picking up leather and tobacco accents on the finish. Best from 2019 through 2032. 600 cases imported."

Decanter Magazine, Aug/2017

2012 -

"Chocolate and liquorice overlaying brambled fruit on the nose, leading to a full, round and juicy palate with scrupulous acidity and nicely ripe tannins. Stylish and lingering."

Michael Godel, Wine Align, Mar/2018

2012 -

"From Casisano in Sant'Angelo in Colle, to the south of the village. Tomassi's Montalcino situation is another one of altitude and therefore a great choice of location from which to develop a strong and structured Brunello ideal. This '12 is not unlike the '13 but perhaps with a bit more hyperbole, at times of warmth and at others, elegance. It's not completely sure of its position, but that is both a matter of vintage and still getting to know the lay of this land. The follow-up 2013 will continue to cement the altitude influence and the understanding of these exceptional vineyards. This '12 is a great building block for the future of what will be one of the more storied cru in Brunello di Montalcino. Drink 2018-2022. Tasted March 2018."

James Suckling, Feb/2016

2011 -

"This is rich and velvety with a beautiful softness and richness. Full body, round textured. Delicious finish. Excellent wine form the Tommasi family of the Veneto."

Wine Enthusiast, Mar/2016

2011 -

"Aromas of grilled herb, dark spice and mature blackskinned fruit lead the nose. The ripe, generous palate doles out succulent black cherry, raspberry compote, licorice and nutmeg alongside round, velvety tannins. "

Wine Spectator, Oct/2016

2011 -

"A beefy, tannic style, with submerged cherry and plum flavors, accented by spice and leather notes. The fruit core extends through the finish. Best from 2019 through 2033. 1,500 cases made."

Gismondi on Wine, Dec/2020

2010 -

"Casisano's 22 hectares of vineyards are situated at 480m, on a natural terrace facing south east of Montalcino, and on a rocky base of sandstone, schistous marl, galestro, and veins of volcanic origin. In 2011, the Tommasi family, of renown Veneto fame, purchased the property, and today the 4th generation of siblings is involved with running the company. This is now showing quite deep browning of fruit, fully in the autumnal range, with well worked leather, dried cherry, and dried florals. Quite a traditional style, these drying, gripping tannins require food to mitigate."