Has anyone heard or know if there is a list of wines that are being investigated. Have heard several winery names, but wondered if their are more out there. How about the Casanova di Neri? The 2003 has been allocated out already in the U.S. Thanks!

As far as what has been made puplic it is only Antinori, Frescobaldi, Banfi and Argiano being investigated. As for Casanova di Neri, I would be shocked if they were not blending some Merlot into the Tenuna Nuova. I had a bottle of the 2000 last Sunday and it was excellant for a Super Tuscan. I drink a lot of Sangiovese and there is no way that bottle was 100%. That being so I still ordered some 2003 this week and received it yesterday. Is it really Brunello, I doubt it, but I knew that in advance so I didn't mind.

VT2IT...how did you know the Tenuta Nuova BdM wasn't 100% Sangiovese?

Well I don't "know" it wasn't 100% Sangiovese, I just stongly suspect it. It didn't smell or taste right to me. It also had several features that seemed like a Tuscan Merlot. The color, aroma and mouthfeel all told my senses that this was not a true Brunello. That being so I would still agree with Suckling's score of 92 for this wine and am glad I have some left.

Just got back from Montalcino. It was mentioned in town that Casanova Di Neri is part of the wineries suspected in adding different grapes to thier brunellos.

Some stores have the 2003 already on the shelves in Montalcino however, in Florence, they are still waiting for their allocation.

I tried all of Casanova Di Neri's wines when we were there and found them very approachable. I do suspect that there is more than just sangiovese in the bottles though.

The winery is awesome. Overall, the mood among the wineries is one of a wait and see attitude. When I asked a number of wine representatives about the scandal, a number of them reassured me that their winery wasn't involved and that they were concerned about their region's overall reputation, rather than their own individual reputation.

The feeling I got was that 2004 is a much better vintage anyway and 2006 and 2007 willl compete for vintage of the century. There is a lot of excitement regarding these 2 vintages across the board.

I will write a bit more once I get over the jetlag.

Ciao