2018 Dolcetto d´Alba, Bruno Giacosa

2018 Dolcetto d´Alba, Bruno Giacosa

A deep, handsome nose with notes of ripe blueberries, thyme, ink, leather and some balsamic scents. Very, very good.

The taste is young, silky and layered with notes of  dry blueberry pie, blood, bakelite and gravel. A long, distinct finish with fine tannins. This needs 6+ years. Luckily I have a nice stash. 

91p   (tasted 2022/01)

Other vintages of Giacosa´s Dolcetto:

2005

2017

2015 & 2019

Two Bottles From Roccheviberti

The Barolo Boys visited Roccheviberti a couple of weeks ago (notes are on their way, but my notes from my last visit in 2019 are here) but I discovered that the 2019 version of the Langhe Nebbiolo (we tasted the 2020) were available on the state monopoly, so I ordered some to check it out, and to get a second impression of the -19 Barbera.

2019 Langhe Nebbiolo, Roccheviberti

This Nebbiolo oozes out of the glass with notes of black cherries, violets, iron, licorice and dried dark flowers. Very, very good.

The taste is tight and spicy with notes of cherries, blueberries, iron and violets. A long, fine, dry finish. Very fine but the -20 was even better...

90p   (tasted 2022/01)

2019 Barbera d´Alba Superiore Vigna Lunga, Roccheviberti

One of the best Barbera´s from the Langhe, up there with the likes of Giacomo Conterno, Brovia and Castello di Verduno. From 80 year old vines, the nose jumps out from the glass with stunning notes of raspberry licorice, Christmas spices, bonfire smoke and freshly polished Cordovan shoes. Brilliant.

The taste is rich and concentrated with notes of chocolate covered raspberries, raspberry vinegar, sun warm rocks, pipe tobacco aand wild herbs. A old viney creamy finish. Great. Even better than when tasted at the estate. A steal for 30 Euro.

93p   (tasted 2022/01)

The Barolo Boys In Piedmont - Visits To La Bioca & Reva

La Bioca

A relatively new winery in the Fontafredda area. We were showed the cellars and got to taste the following wines.

2021 Roero Arneis

A young, crisp nose with notes of rubber, lemon, chrushed rocks and a metallic touch. Good.

The taste is cool and nice with light fruit and a pleasant acidity. 

84p   (tasted 2022/01)

2018 Langhe Chardonnay Vigna Bussia

A lightly buttered nose with additonal notes of melon, smoke and detergent. Very good.

The taste is tighter than the nose with notes of sandelwood, yellow plums and grilled lemons. A fine acidity.

87p   (tasted 2022/01)

2020 Barbera d´Alba Zabaloa

A large scaled. fruity nose with notes of ripe raspberries, Finnish licoroce, tobacco and hot earth. Very good in its open hearted style.

The taste is warm and sturdy with notes of raspberry chocolate, earth, herbs and tobacco. A great acidity. A classic upfront Barbera. From San Sebastian in Monforte.

89p   (tasted 2022/01)

2019 Barbera d´Alba Superiore Adae

A broad, open nose with notes of ripe plums, pipe tobacco, fir wood and warm herbs. Very deep, dark and beautiful.

This clocks in at 15,5% but the alcohol doesn´t come through on the palate. Tons of juicy, sweet raspberry fruit intermingled with licorice, scorched earth and herbs. Not for the fainthearted. I like it!

90p   (tasted 2022/01)

2020 Langhe Nebbiolo Riccinnebbia

A dry, down to earth kind of nose with notes of dried strawberries, gravel and old tobacco.

The taste is tight and earthy with notes of red currants, dry licorice and violets. Some dry tannins.

85p   (tasted 2022/01)

2019 Nebbiolo d´Alba La Pipina

Brought up in a concrete egg, this Nebbiolo offers up a fresh. juicy nose with notes of red currants, some strawberries, lots of mineral and rosehips. Very fine and interesting.

The taste is tight and focused with notes of red currants, dried strawberries, licorice and again, lots of mineral. A very fine dry finish. 5+ years.

91p   (tasted 2022/01)

2019 Nebbiolo d´Alba Superiore Stërmà

A deep, darker kind of Nebbiolo with notes of ripe cherries, tobacco, violets and a hint of wood. Very, very good.

The taste is open and sandy with fine tannins and a juicy cherry fruit. Long, warm and very good.

88p   (tasted 2022/01)

2017 Barolo Acules

A good warmth on the nose alongside notes of sweet/sour cherries, undergrowth, touch of oak and dry earth. A bit burly.

The taste has a good concentration with fine red fruits and forward tannins. 4+ years.

86p   (tasted 2022/01)

2017 Barolo Monvigliero

A medium deep, upfront nose with notes of salted red currants and strawberries, earth and some nutty aromas. Very good.

The taste is tight and dry with notes of cherry pips, dry licorice and warm sand. A nice, dry finish. 6+ years.

87p   (tasted 2022/01)

2018 Verduno Pelaverga Daje Mach

At first some VA that aired away, giving room to a juicy nose with notes of chrushed strawberries, white pepper (as always) and dusty earth. Very good.

The taste is light and peppery with notes of dried strawberries, white pepper and gravel. Soft and good.

85p   (tasted 2022/01)

Tasting a very interesting Rossese Bianco from tank

Reva

Another new acquaintance with really pure, energetic wines.

NV Solonoir

As the name indicates, a 100% Pinot Noir. The nose is pure and elegant with notes of red currants, apples and gravel. Very, very good.

The taste is fresh and fine with a creamy texture and a cleansing acidity. Drinking very fine.

87p   (tasted 2022/01)

2019 Grey

This 70% Savagnin Gris and 30% Sauvignon Blanc blend sports a flowery, fat yet nicely balanced nose with notes of spices and white currants. Very, very good.

The taste is pure and creamy with notes of lemon licorice, white currants and dried flowers. A fine acidity.

88p   (tasted 2022/01)

2020 Dolcetto d´Alba

A pure, finely tuned nose with notes of ripe blueberries, earth, tiles and asphalt. Very fresh.

The taste is nicely structured with a mix of red and black berries, silky tannins and a earthy finish. Very, very good.

90p   (tasted 2022/01)

2020 Nebbiolo d´Alba

An open, fruity nose with notes of roses, red cherries, model clay and forest floor. A fine liveliness.

The taste is refined and textured with notes of ripe cherries, asphalt, rosehips and a fine flowery notes. 3+ years.

91p   (tasted 2022/01)

2019 Barbera d´Alba Superiore

A deep, warm nose with notes of Finnish licorice, ripe raspberries, smoke and fir wood. Bold. Very, very good.

The taste is fruity and forward with notes of chocolate covered raspberries, hot earth and licorice. Long and fine.

89p   (tasted 2022/01)

2017 Barolo

A very elegant, light nose with notes of strawberries, asphalt, violets and herbs. Very fine.

The taste is tight and racy with notes of red currants, roses, herbs and asphalt. Silky tannins. 5+ years.

92p   (tasted 2022/01)

2017 Barolo Cannubi

A large scaled, seedy nose with notes of cooked cherries, dark earth, dried flowers and gravel. A tad rustic, in a good way.

The taste is taut and firm with locked up fruit, tight tannins and a long, distinct finish. Needs 8+ years.

90p   (tasted 2022/01)

2016 Barolo Ravera

From 65 year old vines, this beauty oozes up from the glass with notes of ripe cherries, dried flowers, licorice and some balsamic scents. Lovely.

The taste is aristocratic and multi layered with notes of wild strawberries, licorice, forest floor and rosehips. A very long, dry finish. 6+ years.

94p   (tasted 2022/01)

2016 Barolo, Margherita Otto

2016 Barolo, Margherita Otto

I couldn´t contain myself. I picked up the 2016 and 2017 allocation of Barolo from Alan on my latest trip to Piedmont and when I got home I just had to open a 2016!

A racy, aristocratic nose with notes of the finest red cherries, fir wood, bakelite, rosehip and a light touch of furmiture polish. This is all about purity. Very fine.

The taste is tight and very pure with notes of hard cherry candy, dry licorice, minerals and a hint of tobacco. Tight, silky tannins. Utterly gorgeous and very, very young, 10+ years.

95p   (tasted 2022/01)

When we visited Alan we also got to taste the following from cask.

2020 Langhe Nebbiolo

The 2019 was the first vintage of his Langhe Nebbiolo. The 2020 is like drinking velvet at this stage but will surely tighten up when bottled.

~90p   (tasted 2022/01)

2019 Barolo

Both Baroli is a tad reductiv on the nose, but on the palate - holy moses! Structure, balance, focus and stunning fruit. This is gonna be a keeper.

~96p   (tasted 2020/01)

2020 Barolo

Very pure and handsome with silky tannins and long, long, long finish, but not, at least in this stage, the explosive fruit of the 2019.

~94p   (tasted 2022/01)

Four Expressions Of Chianti

2019 Chianti Classico Ruspoli, Tenuta de Lilliano

An open, fruity nose with notes of damsons, ripe cherries, tobacco and rosemary. Not that deep or complex but very attractive.

The taste is cool and fresh with notes of sloeberries, dry licorice, gravel and fresh herbs. A fine dry finish. Very good. A steal for 18 Euro.

87p   (tasted 2021/12)

2019 Chianti Rufina, Fattoria Selvapiana

A light, fresh nose with notes of red currants, gravel, shoe polish and herbs. Very good.

The taste is slender and fine with notes of cherry pips, gravel and light tobacco. Silky tannins. 3+ years.

87p   (tasted 2021/12)

2016 Chianti Classico, Tenuta Casenuove

A deep, dark Sangiovese with notes of ripe black cherries, sage, sandelwood and chrushed rocks. Very fine. Complex.

The taste is structured and racy with notes of hard cherry candy, licorice, fresh rosemary and hot gravel. Very long and intense. Needs 5+ years.

91p   (tasted 2021/12)

2015 Chianti Classico Vigneti La Selvanella, Melini

A dry, herbal nose with notes of ripening cherries, dry leather, gravel and some woody aromas. 

The taste is tight and dry with notes of dried cherries, tobacco, herbs and a balsamic touch. Better on the palate but I won´t buy more of this.

85p   (tasted 2021/12)

1997 Vintage Port, Quinta do Vesuvio

1997 Vintage Port, Quinta do Vesuvio

A deep, layered nose with notes of dark chocolate, sweet violets, sunwarm asphalt, fried nuts and a hint of VA. A tad heavy. A fine sweetness.

The taste is big and brawny with notes of raspberry chocolate, damsons, cold coffee and violets. A fine lenght and warmth. Very good but it doesn´t have that real lift I´m looking for in a Port.

88p   (tasted 2021/12)

The Barolo Boys In Piedmont - Visit To Stroppiana

Back in Piedmont! Two years has passed since my last visit. Two Barolo Boys descended on Langhe in the beginning of January to taste, eat and drink well.

Stroppiana

The only wines I had tasted before from Stroppiana was a 1982 Riserva and a 2011 Bussia, both of whom I liked, so I was looking forward to this visit. 

We left as two happy campers after three hours, having met the whole family and tasting a lot of fine bottles of wines. 

Stefania, the mother of Altea and Leonardo, greeted us and started showing us the cellar. After a while Altea and Leonardo came along. Altea has other things to attend to on the estate so Leonardo took care of us and showed us a great time, opening bottle after bottle after bottle. At the end of our visit Dario, Altea and Leonardo´s father joined us. A great visit, I will be back!

Stefania

Altea & Leonardo

2020 Langhe Nascetta

I love Nascetta and the ones from Stroppiana is fine examples of the grape. The 2020 offers a stony, pear scented nose with notes of yellow flowers, lemon licorice and almond paste.. Very, very good.

The taste is dry and fine with notes of dry tangerines, almond paste and gravel. A fine acidity. 

87p   (tasted 2022/01)

2019 Langhe Nascetta Acacia

This 2019 has been aged in Acacia wood. The nose is larger than the regular Nascetta with notes of yellow plums, smoke, oil cloth and ripe summer flowers. Lovely.

The taste is ripe and creamy with notes of grilled lemons, yellow plums and warm sand. A very fine acidity. 

90p   (tasted 2022/01)

2017 Langhe Nascetta

Intrigued by our interest in Nascetta, Leonardo produced a bottle with some age. The -17 Nascetta oozes up from the glass with Riesling-like aromas in the shape of petrol, steel and dried yellow fruits. Very fine.

The taste is cool and steely with notes of dried up lemoncello, gravel and dried flowers. A very fine structure. Really fine.

90p   (tasted 2022/01)

2020 Barbera d´Alba

An open, fruity Barbera with notes of raspberry licorice, herbs and warm asphalt. Sappy.

The taste is fine and earthy with a sweet raspberry fruit and a nice acidity.

87p   (tasted 2022/01)

2019 Barbera d´Alba Superiore Altea

A deep, warm, fruity nose with notes of banana peel, raspberry jam and hot earth. Broad.

The taste is big and a tad fiery but the fruit is very fine and the acidity balances the sweet fruit. Very good.

87p   (tasted 2022/01)

2020 Langhe Nebbiolo

A fresh, forward nose with notes of herbs, ripe cherries and earthy aromas. Very, very good.

The taste is pure and fine with notes of herbs, red cherries, blood orange and gravel. Silky tannins. 3+ years.

89p   (tasted 2022/01)

2018 Barolo Leonardo

A deep, elegant nose with notes of ripe cherries, moist earth, hint of choolate and ripe flowers. 

The taste is broad and tight with notes of candied cherries, licorice and dried flowers. Sweet tannins. Aged in 50% barrique and 50% 2,5 hl casks. 5+ years.

88p   (tasted 2022/01)

2018 Barolo Bricco Cogni

This has only seen big casks during its upbringing. The nose is upfront and focused with notes of ripe raspberries, summer gravel, rosehips and some tobacco scents. Very fine.

The taste is tight and steady with notes of hard cherry candy, dried raspberries, shoe polish and licorice. Long and fine. 6+ years.

91p   (tasted 2022/01)

2018 Barolo San Giacomo

This is a beauty with a outgoing, focused nose with notes of rosehips, Christmas spices, ripe cherries and dried flowers. Very fine.

The taste is concentrated and multi layered with notes of ripe cherries, rosehip and asphalt with an old viney feeling in the finish. Stern tannins. 8+ years. Stroppiana is the only producer of Barolo from the San Giacomo MGA.

93p   (tasted 2022/01)

2017 Barolo San Giacomo

The -17 San Giacomo is rounder and warmer then the 18 with a deep nose with notes of bay leaves, hot asphalt and ripe cherries. Very, very good.

The taste is broad and finely concentrated with notes of tar, ripe cherries and hot gravel. Long and expressive. 4+ years. The 2017 celebrates 50 years since the family´s first vintage (before that they sold the grapes like many other grape growers at the time). 

89p   (tasted 2022/01)

Leonardo & Dario

2015 Barolo Bussia

A finely tuned nose with notes of dark flowers, red apples, smoke, shoe cream and rosehips. Interesting and very fine.

The taste is tight and structured with notes of hard cherry candy, undergrowth, dried flowers and asphalt. Broadshouldered. Very long. 6+ years.

92p   (tasted 2022/01)

2016 Barolo Bussia

The -16 Bussia is a stunner! The nose soars up from the glass with notes of fir wood, sweet/sour cherries, smoke, iron and spices. Lovely.

The taste is silky and concentrated with ripe cherry fruit, sandelwood, iron and rosehips. The tannins come forward in the long finish. Great wine. 8+ years.

94p   (tasted 2022/01)

2015 Barolo Riserva Bussia

A very deep, laid back nose with notes of undergrowth, black cherries, tobacco and shoe polish. Very fine. Needs time to open up.

The taste is structured and refined with notes of dried cherries, iron, asphalt and dried herbs. A very long, taut finish. 10+ years.

93p   (tasted 2022/01)

2013 Barolo Riserva Bussia

From my favourite vintage since 2001, this doesn´t disappoint. A very deep, focused and finely tuned nose oozes up from the glass with fine notes of sweet/sour cherries, sage, iron and rosehips. So fine.

The taste is taut yet refined and focused with notes of hard cherry candy, ink, dried flowers and asphalt. The finish goes on and on and on. Stunning. 8+ years. 

95p   (tasted 2022/01)

2001 Barbaresco Riserva Rabaja, Bruno Giacosa

2001 Barbaresco Riserva Rabaja, Bruno Giacosa

S generously opened this gem at the end of my ten year celebration of this blog. The nose is just wonderful with lovely notes of ceps, dried up cherry jam, Finnish licorice and assorted spices. A very fine touch of maturity, although it is far from fully mature.

The taste is tighter than the nose with notes of hard cherry candy, sun warm asphalt, fresh mushrooms and a ever so tiny hint of mint. The finish goes on and on. Give this another 8+ years and you probably looking at perfection.

96p   (tasted 2021/12)

The Ten Most Memorable Wines Of 2021

Another "annus horribiles"... 

Only 611 wines tasted. But some highlights were poured and drunk even during these circumstances.

Lets hope that 2022 will become a more vinous year!

Here are the most memorable wines of 2021, in vintage order.

1989 Barolo Vigna Cicala, Aldo Conterno

I wanted something really nice to celebrate one millions views on the blog and this really hit all my sweet spots. Perfect now and for several more years to come.

98p   (tasted 2021/02)

1990 Brunello di Montalvino Schiena d´Asino, Mastrojanni

I arranged a 1990 Brunello tasting dinner in the autumn and among several fine bottles this stood out like a shining beacon. Truly great stuff.

97p   (tasted 2021/09)

1996 Comtes de Champagne, Taittinger

The second time this beauty makes the most memorable list. What a wine! Thanks S!

97p   (tasted 2021/08)

2010 Brunello di Montalcino, Le Ragnaie

I love Brunello when they combine power, refinement and a regal stature, like in the case of 

this wine.

96p   (tasted 2021/07)

2013 No 2 Syrah, Andrewmily

I have tasted a couple of bottles from Andrewmily but this bottle reaally rocked my world, a world class Syrah.

97p   (tasted 2021/01)

2014 G-Max, Keller

Nowadays one (at least me) drink G-Max to seldom, so thanks to M for opening this beauty and many other fine bottles,

97p   (tasted 2021/11)

2017 Barolo Vigna Rionda, Luigi Pira

Only two Baroli on the list this year... but Gianpaolo´s Vigna Rionda probably could make the list every year (just tasted the 2018 and 2019 and...). Thanks M!

97p   (tasted 2021/08)

2018 Ried Kellerberg Smaragd Riesling, Pichler

This electric, focused Riesling was a gorgeous drink on a warm summers day.

94p   (tasted 2021/07)

2018 Dogliani La Costa, Chionetti

Being a proud member of the illustrious group "Dolcetto Boys & Girls", a Dolcetto have to make the list. Chionetti makes wonderful Dolcetto´s in Dogliani. I visited the estate - Barolista: A Couple Of Days In Piedmont - Visits To Fratelli Barale & Chionetti in August of 2019. 

The -18 La Costa is a stunner!

94p   (tasted 2021/08)

2020 Pettenthal Riesling GG, Keller

So close you could get to perfection without the added complexity of maturity. Stunning juice! Thanks M!

99p   (tasted 2021/11)

Earlier years:

The Ten Most Memorable Of 2011

The Ten Most Memorable Of 2012

The Ten Most Memorable Of 2013

The Ten Most Memorable Of 2014

The Ten Most Memorable Of 2015

The Ten Most Memorable Of 2016

The Ten Most Memorable Of 2017

The Ten Most Memorable Of 2018

The Ten Most Memorable Of 2019

The Ten Most Memorable Of 2020

A Bottle Of Bubbly - NV Grand Cru Brut, Arnaud Baudette

NV Grand Cru Brut, Arnaud Baudette

This 85% Pinot Noir and 15% Chardonnay blend sports a fine, upfront nose with notes of red currants, sun warm gravel, Lily of the Valley and sweet minerals. Very, very good.

The taste is dry and racy with notes of dried raspberries, gravel and assorted spices. A very good acidity. Long and very fine. 5+ years.

90p   (tasted 2021/12)

1994 Merlot, Newton

1994 Merlot, Newton

A bit funky on opening but only after 20 minutes in the glass this 27 year old beauty offers up a mature, plummy nose with notes of forest floor, old leather and a ashtray full of exclusive tobacco. 

The taste is round and sandy with notes of plums, cold coffee, warm tiles and gravel. Soft, silky tannins. Tasted blind I would have guessed a Pomerol from 85 or 89 ten times out of ten. Really yummy and perfectly mature.

93p   (tasted 2021/12)

2017 Dolcetto d´Alba Vigna Santo Stefano di Perno, Giuseppe Mascarello

2017 Dolcetto d´Alba Vigna Santo Stefano di Perno, Giuseppe Mascarello

After five days in Piedmont, what do you drink when you come home? A Dolcetto of course!

This Giuseppe Mascarello Dolcetto offers up a deep, interesting nose with notes of dried raspberries, salt minerals, moth balls, fir wood and assorted spices. Very, very good.

The taste is open and fruit forward with a very good mouthfeel and notes of red currants, dried strawberries, cement and herbs. Silky tannins and a very fine acidity. A great Dolcetto with a hint of maturity but will go on for 8+ years.

92p   (tasted 2022/01)