Sunday 29 September 2019

1988 - 2016 Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon



I was invited by Divine to meet the owner of Spottswoode, Beth Novak Milliken, and taste some fine wines. The highlight was five vintages of the Estate Cabernet but we also got to taste some other wines.

2018 Sauvignon Blanc
A crisp, refined nose with notes of beeswax, freshly cut grass, white pears and a hint of matchbox. Very fine.
The taste is racy and elegant with notes of pears, chalk, grass and hint of passionfruit. A very fine acidity. Long.
91p   (tasted 2019/09)




2013 Lyndenhurst
A deep, creamy nose with notes of ripe black currants, polished mahogany, charcoal and new leather. A fine cool character. Very deep.
The taste is balanced and sandy with notes of black currants, cold coffee, chrushed rocks and a dark perfumed note. Polished tannins. Very fine. 5+ years.
93p   (tasted 2019/09)

2016 Lyndenhurst
The 16 Lyndenhurst offers up a young, tight nose with notes of ripe black currants, Christmas spices, sweet tobacco and some cocoa. Darker than the 13. Very deep.
The taste is silky and concentrated with notes of dried up black currants jam, sugared coffee and dusty earth. Very long and fine. 7+ years.
92p   (tasted 2019/09)

1988 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
A very mature, round, sweet nose with notes of autumn leaves, smoke and dried black currants. A fine drried up sweetness.
The taste is round and fine with notes of dry tobacco, cranberries, autumn leaves and old leather. Very, very good but a tad dry at the end.
88p   (tasted 2019/09)


1992 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
A deep, pefectly mature nose with notes of dried ripe black currants, undergrowth, violets and warm tiles. Very deep and fine.
The taste is mature, sweet and multi layered with notes of dried up blueberry jam, pipe tobacco, gravel and leather. The finish goes on for over a minute. In a perfect stage of maturity. Lovely.
94p   (tasted 2019/09)

2006 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
The 06 Estate is concentrated and ripe on the nose with notes of mint covered black currants, sun warm rocks, tobacco and earth. Hints of maturity. Very, very good.
The taste is tight and sandy with elegant black currant fruit, tannins that have begun to melt and a long, structured finish. Very fine. 4+ years.
92p   (tasted 2019/09)

2010 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
A stunner. Still young, this beauty offers up a deep, multi layered nose with notes of ripe black currants, Cohiba cigars, cold coffee and a dark perfumed aroma. Really fine.
The taste is tight and concentrated with notes of expensive leather, ripe black currants, some blueberries and graphite. Very, very long with sandy tannins and a gorgeous structure. 6+ years.
95p   (tasted 2019/09)


2016 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
A very young, somewhat backward nose with notes of bakelite, iron, ripening black currants and fir wood. Very deep. Needs time.
The taste is young, tight and complex with stunning fruit, perfectly balanced and fine notes of iron, blueberries, chrushed rocks and cool tobacco. Very, very fine. 10+ years.
94p   (tasted 2019/09)

Earlier notes of wines from Spottswoode:
Notes of 2014 Lyndenhurst and Estate Cabernet

Notes from the last time I met Beth and tasted 1991, 1996, 2000, 2005, 2008, 2010, 2011 & 2012 Estate Cabernet

Saturday 28 September 2019

Two Baroli Tonight - 1998 Pajana & Ciabot Mentin Ginestra, Domenico Clerico

1998 Barolo Pajana, Domenico Clerico
The Pajana needs two hours in a decanter to really open up, and then it displays a spicy, deep nose with notes of forest floor, warm tiles, a freshly cut Christmas tree and dried black cherries. Concentrated and fine. Very, very good.
The taste is polished, fine and semi mature with notes of asphalt, spices, sweet/sour cherries and fir wood. Very long. Almost fully mature, give in 5 more years.
93p   (tasted 2019/09)


1998 Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra, Domenico Clerico
The Ciabot needed even more time to open up, and then it displays a deep, concentrated nose with notes of mulberries, dark cherries, sweet violets, dark bread and asphalt. Very complex and fine.
The taste is truly wonderful with a perfect mix of mature black fruits, tannins and acidity. Notes of rosehips, ripe black cherries, cold coffee, iron and forest floor. The lenght is counted in minutes. A great wine today and the coming 8+ years.
96p   (tasted 2019/09)

Friday 27 September 2019

A Couple Of Days In Piedmont - Visits To Fratelli Barale & Chionetti


After spending the morning and lunch in Verduno, I headed to Barolo and visited the fine old estate of Fratelli Barale. After that I drove to Dogliano to visit one of the best producer of Dolcetto, Chionetti.

Fratelli Barale
This is an old estate, founded in 1870. Eleonora, fifth generation of the Barale family, welcomed me, showed me the impressive cellar and poured the fine wines below. I recently tasted two older bottles from the estate.


2015 Sergio Barale
The first vintage of this bubbly was the 2005. With two year on the lees, the nose jumps up from the glass with notes of chalk, dry honey, birch leaves and white pears. Crisp and fine.
The taste is refined and chalky with notes of lemon peel, chrushed rocks and birch sap. Racy. A very fine acidity.
90p   (tasted 2019/08)



2017 Dolcetto d´Alba Le Rose
A delicate, fruity nose with notes of earth, ripening blueberries and some leathary aromas.
The taste is juicy and forward with a fine, sweet blueberry fruit, notes of sand and dry tobacco. Medium long. Very, very good.
88p   (tasted 2019/08)

2017 Barbera d´Alba Superiore La Preda
From Castellero and from 40 year old vines this Barbera oozes up from the glass with notes of raspberry licorice, dark cookie dough, plums and sugared coffee. Rich, spicy and handsome.
The taste is tight and concentrated with a deep core of raspberry fruit alongside notes of licorice, coffee and moist earth. Very long. A fine acidity.
92p   (tasted 2019/08)


2018 Langhe Nebbiolo
From Coste di Rose this young Nebbiolo sports a fresh, herbal nose with notes of sweet lingonberries, chrushed cherries and rosehips. Pure and fine.
The taste is clean and crisp with notes of cherry pips, earth, rosehips and thyme. Charming. 2+ years.
88p   (tasted 2019/08)

2015 Barolo Castellero
The estate has 6 ha that was planted in 1971. The nose is deep, high and lovely with notes of dried cherries, rose water, root vegetabled and clay. Complex and very fine.
The taste is rich and multi layered with notes of hard cherry candy, sweet violets, roses and paint. Old viney. Finely polished tannins. 6+ years. Will open my 82 soon...
94p   (tasted 2019/08)



2015 Barolo Bussia
The Bussia is denser and darker, with fine notes of undergrowth, black cherries, tobacco and asphalt. Very deep and fine.
The taste is tight and concentrated with notes of dried up cherry jam, ski wax, dried flowers and tobacco. Very long. Broad shouldered tannins. Needs time. 8+ years.
92p   (tasted 2019/08)

2014 Barolo Cannubi
From 0,5 ha the 14 Cannubi reveals a delicate, open nose with notes of fresh flowers, chrushed rocks, rosehips and fresh mushrooms. Lively and very fine.
The taste is refined and silky with notes of ripening red cherries, asphalt and herbs. Medium bodied with a fine intensity. Very, very good. 4+ years.
92p   (tasted 2019/08)



Chionetti
The top producers in Dogliani lives a rather a anonymous life when you look at the current buzz regarding Langhe, and Barolo in particular. And that´s too bad, because the Dolcetto´s from Dogliano are world class wines.
Nicola of the Chionetti family welcomed me and showed me a great time at their winery.

2018 Dogliani San Luigi
A very deep, stony nose with notes of beet root, shoe polish, dark flowers and cranberries. A far cry from the run of the mill open, fruity Dolcetto d´Alba.
The taste is steady and structured with notes of ripening blueberries, cool tobacco, dried flowers and chrushed rocks. Very long and fine. 30 year old vines. 4+ years.
91p   (tasted 2019/08)



2018 Dogliani Briccolero
The Briccolero - a single vineyard and from 50 year old vines - is even more focused and concentrated than the San Luigi, with stunning notes of green peppers, red plums, moist earth and furniture polish. A gorgeous structure.
The taste is concentrated and perfumed with notes of violets, a dried up blueberry pie, tiles and cranberries. Very long. Just stunning. 6+ years.
93p   (tasted 2019/08)

2017 Dogliani La Costa
The La Costa is only produced in special vintages. The grapes comes from the top of the Briccolero hill. The 2017 displays a very deep, concentrated nose with notes of dark black berries, undergrowth, asphalt and fir wood. Very deep and concentrated.
The taste is tight and intense with notes of ripe blueberries, warm tiles, Christmas spices and cool tobacco. The finish goes on and on. Very balanced. Lovely. 6+ years.
94p   (tasted 2019/08)


2017 Langhe Nebbiolo La Chiusa
A young, fresh nose with notes of dried strawberries, roses and earth. Pure and fine. Very, very good.
The taste is young and tight with notes of dry licorice, cherry pips and a hint of cocoa. Very long. 4+ years.
90p   (tasted 2019/08)

2015 Barolo Bussia Vigna Pianpolvere
The first vintage of this Barolo from Chionetti. The nose is deep, old viney and wonderful with notes of rosehips, old wrinkled red apples, allspice and dry licorice. Intense and truly fine.
The taste is tight and concentrated with notes of dried up cherries, gravel, red beets and charcoal. Very long. Great wine. 8+ years.
93p   (tasted 2019/08)



Thursday 26 September 2019

A Dolcetto Trio - Giuseppe Mascarello, Elio Altare & Massolino

2017 Dolcetto d´Alba Vigna Bricco Mirasole, Giuseppe Mascarello
A high strung, backward nose with notes of barnyard, rhubarb, glue and balsamico marinated strawberries. Very interesting.
The taste is seedy and fine with notes of dried strawberries, balsa wood and moist earth. Idiosyncratic. A very good balance. Finely tuned tannins. Very fine.
92p   (tasted 2019/09)


2017 Dolcetto d´Alba, Elio Altare
A young, sporty nose with notes of cool blueberries, damsons and asphalt. Very pure and fine.
The taste is tight and fine with notes of dry blueberry pie, chalk, tiles and fresh herbs. Juicy tannins. This needs 1-2 years in the cellar.
90p   (tasted 2019/09)

2017 Dolcetto d´Alba, Massolino
A cool sandy nose with notes of chrushed rocks, black currants, dry licorice and herbs. Earthy and fine.
The taste is tight and dry with notes of finely polished tannins, dry blueberry fruit and lots of stony notes. Long. Needs time. Very, very good.
89p   (tasted 2019/09)


Tuesday 24 September 2019

2010 & 2012 Brunello Di Montalcino, Col d´Orcia

2010 Brunello di Montalcino, Col d´Orcia
A fine, sandy nose with hint of maturity and notes of spicy cherries, bay leaved, sandel wood and cold coffee. Very, very good.
The taste is finely tuned with crisp notes of sour/sweet cherries, dry tobacco, gravel and rosemary. Polished tannins with a salty touch. Long. Drinking fine now and the coming 6+ years.
89p   (tasted 2019/09)


2012 Brunello di Montalcino, Col d´Orcia
A cool, earthy, elegant nose with notes of cranberries, red cherries, candle grease and dry tobacco. Very fine. Still youngish.
The taste is sandy and fine with notes of hard cherry candy, herbs, tobacco and Tuscan gravel. Very long and fine with a hint of iodine. Give this a couple of years more in the cellar and enjoy over the next 8+ years.
91p   (tasted 2019/09)

Other vintages tasted:
1975, 1977, 1980 & 1985

1999, 2004 & 2007

Saturday 21 September 2019

A Couple Of Days In Piedmont - Visits To Diego Morra, Cadia & Poderi Roset


Another day in Paradise! In the morning I drove up to Verduno and visited three producers and got to drink Pelaverga and Barolo Monvigliero - life is good!

Diego Morra
A fairly new estate, started in 2009. Before Diego´s father sold the grapes. He owns 4 ha in Monvigliero (out of a total of 25,51 ha) and now he makes about 4.000 bottles. When the new cellar is ready he will be able to make 30.000 bottles of Monvigliero.
The total production today is 30.000 bottles that will increase to 80.000 when the new cellar is ready. Diego has land in 10 different Cru´s in Verduno and La Morra and some land in Roddi. For the Baroli he uses 500 liter tonneaux casks.

2018 Chardonnay
A cool, fresh, light nose with notes of melon, banana skin and yellow flowers.
The taste is crisp and fine with nots of lemons, melons and grass. Light and fine.
86p   (tasted 2019/08)


2018 Mosca
A lively, pure nose with notes of raspberry soda, spices and a fine earthy aroma. Very, very good.
The taste is fresh and spicy with notes of wild strawberries, bay leaves and earth. Some nibbling tannins at the end. A very fine rosé.
88p   (tasted 2019/08)

2017 Dolcetto d´Alba
A medium deep, herbal nose with notes of blueberries, ginger bread spices and dark soap. Very good.
The taste is upfront and juicy with notes of ripe blueberries, chrushed rocks and bakelite. A fine structure.
87p   (tasted 2019/08)


2016 Barbera d´Alba
A high, rather light nose for a Barbera but with a good intensity and notes of raspberry licorice, violets and sage. Very, very good.
The taste is balanced and fine with notes of ripe raspberries, herbs and dried flowers. Long and fine with a very good acidity. The grapes for this Barbera comes from Roddi.
91p   (tasted 2019/08)

2016 Langhe Nebbiolo
A fine, floral, sandy nose with notes of red cherries, rosehips and furniture polish. Pure and fine.
The taste is tight and fine with a sandy structure and notes of red cherries, chrushed rocks and dry licorice. Very, very good.
90p   (tasted 2019/08)

2018 Verduno Pelaverga
I love Pelaverga! The low key intensity with high notes of incense, spices, earth and, in this case, dried strawberries, is intoxicating. Lovely.
The taste has that tell tale white pepper spiciness alongside notes of red currants and cool earth. Very refreshing.
89p   (tasted 2019/08)



2015 Barolo
The Barolo Normale is a stunner. The nose soars up from the glass with notes of dried cherries, rose petals, paint and forest floor. A very fine perfumed note. Deep and fine.
The taste is racy and refined with a fine mix of strawberries and cherries with extra notes of dry licorice, rosehips, clay and dry tobacco. Silky tannins. Just lovely. 5+ years.
93p   (tasted 2019/08)

2015 Barolo Monvigliero
Aaah, Monvigliero! Diego has fashioned a great one in 2015, with a deep, complex nose with notes of herbs, red sealing wax, ripening strawberries and sun warm rocks. Delightful.
The taste is handsome and balanced with a fine acidity, polished tannins and stunning red fruit. The mouth feel is velvety with a underlying backbone. 6+ years. Diego´s first vintage of Monvigliero was 2011.
94p   (tasted 2019/08)



Cadia
The Cadia estate lies in Roddi, very close to the Verduno border. The firm started in 1996 and they own 12 ha in and around the hill "Cadia" that has given name to the winery.
Noemi, daughter of Bruno, met up with me, showed me the cellars and poured this nice line up.


2018 Langhe Arneis
A good, pure expression of Arneis with notes of spices, dried yellow apples and gravel.
The taste is young and tight with a good grip and notes of lemon, gravel and grass. A slight bitter note at the end.
85p   (tasted 2019/08)



2018 Sauvignon Abrigàt
A stony, light nose with notes of grass, white pepper and road dust. Very nice.
The taste is grassy and fresh with notes of lemon juice, white pepper and dry herbs. A very good acidity. Has finesse.
87p   (tasted 2019/08)

2018 Chardonnay Avnì
The Chardonnay shows some oak on the nose alongside notes of tangerines and sponge cake.
The taste is medium bodied with notes of spicy lemons, dry fudge and sand. The oak shows itself in the finish. Needs 2 years to integrate.
84p   (tasted 2019/08)

2018 Verduno Pelaverga
The second Pelaverga this day! This version shows a cool, earthy nose with notes of Christmas spices, cranberries and old church wood benches - very nice!
The taste has a old viney style with notes of spicy lingonberries, incense and earth. A fine peppery structure. Another fine Pelaverga.
88p   (tasted 2019/08)


2018 Dolcetto d´Alba
A stony nose with notes of dry licorice, asphalt and dried up blueberry jam. Very good.
The taste is spicy and iron laden with ripening blueberries and gravel. Medium long.
85p   (tasted 2019/08)

2017 Barbera d´Alba Superiore Palazzotto
A big, deep, ripe nose with notes of raspberries, sweet balsamic vinegar and forest floor. Some oaky notes over the fruit that I am sure will integrate on one or two years time (see the Monvigliero´s below).
The taste is sturdy and concentrated with notes of raspberry licorice, cold coffee and warm gravel. A hint of oak bitterness in the finish.
85p   (tasted 2019/08)


2018 Barbera d´Alba
The regular Barbera sees only steel and it shows on the nose, which is cool and fine with notes of spiced up raspberries, sun warm rocks and fresh herbs. Very good.
The taste is young and tight with notes of smoke, raspberries and Finnish licorice. A long finish with a fine nerve and acidity.
88p   (tasted 2019/08)

2017 Nebbiolo d´Alba
A fine, warm nose with notes of ripe cherries, coffee powder and undergrowth. Fairly deep.
The taste is young and tight with notes of spicy cherries, tobacco and warm earth. Long. Very good.
86p   (tasted 2019/08)

2015 Barolo Monvigliero
The 15 Monvigliero shows a deep, tight cherry-fruit on the nose with some earthy aromas and dry licorice as well. But there is also a layer of new wood over the fruit that disguise the fruit somewhat.
The taste is tight and rather locked in at the moment, with hints of fine cherry-fruit, licorice and herbs. But again, the oak muffles the character. But what happens in only one year? See below.
86p   (tasted 2019/08)


2014 Barolo Monvigliero
A year older, the same oak treatment as the 15, but where has it gone? You certainly can´t sense it on the nose which is filled with notes of sweet lingonberries, cranberries, parsnips and roses. A lightish touch, very fine.
The taste is finely tuned and sandy with notes of cranberries, dried red cherries, spices and mushrooms. Medium long. Very, very good. And if a (on paper) weaker vintage than 15 can absorb the new oak in that short time, 15 will definitely will.
90p   (tasted 2019/08)



Poderi Roset
A family owned estate that started to bottle their own label in 1993. The production then was 3.000 bottles/year. Now they produce 65.000 bottles/year. They have 15 ha of land, all in Verduno. Their piexe of Monvigliero is 0,4 ha.
Roberta, the export manager, poured this set of fine wines.

2016 Roero Arneis
A delicate, fresh nose with notes lemons, yellow flowers and white pepper. A fine lightness.
The taste is crisp and racy with a salivating acidity and notes of lemon juice, grass and white pepper.
87p   (tasted 2019/08)



2017 Dolcetto d´Alba
A fine, upfront nose with notes of ripe blueberries, Finnish licorice and chrushed rocks. A fine, spicy character.
The taste is peppery and clean with notes of cherry pips, gravel and a hit of tobacco. A fine finish with a hint of bitterness.
87p   (tasted 2019/08)

2017 Verduno Pelaverga
The third Pelaverga this day! This one sports a fine, juicy nose with notes of wild strawberries, white pepper and incense. A cool earthy character.
The taste is spicy and fine with notes of lingon- and blueberries, incense and a fine peppery note. High drinkability!
89p   (tasted 2019/08)

2016 Barbera d´Alba
A open, direct nose with notes of spicy raspberries, Finnish licorice and a hint of barnyard. Very good.
The taste is earthy and warm with notes of allspice, licorice and warm gravel. A very good acidity. Long.
87p   (tasted 2019/08)

2014 Barolo
A fine, crisp nose with notes of strawberries, rosehips, forest floor and a hint of incense. Very, very good.
The taste is finely tuned, light but a very fine intensity and notes of of dried strawberries, dried flowers and dry tobacco. Long and fine. 3+ years.
89p   (tasted 2019/08)


2012 Barolo Monvigliero
A very deep, complex, lovely nose with notes of red plums, cherries, incense and moist earth. Refined. Stunning.
The taste is balanced and multi layered with notes of cherry pips, dried strawberries, dry licorice and spices. Very long and elegant. Just lovely. 5+ year.
93p   (tasted 2019/08)


2013 Barolo Monvigliero
The 13 Monvigliero is all the 12 is, but even more aristocratic, more refined, more structured. This is one for the cellar. Great stuff! 7+ years.
95p   (tasted 2019/08)


Friday 20 September 2019

2017 Dolcetto d´Alba Dabbene, Gianfranco Bovio


2017 Dolcetto d´Alba Dabbene, Gianfranco Bovio
From Montelupo Albese, this Dolcetto offers up a fine, spicy nose with notes of beet roots, ink, dried up cherry jam and gravel. Structured. Very, very good.
The taste is young and lively with notes of red peppers, cooca, cranberries and ink. A hint of bitterness in the end. Needs a couple of years in the cellar.
87p   (tasted 2019/09)

Wednesday 18 September 2019

2016 Dolcetto d´Alba, Giovanni Corino


2016 Dolcetto d´Alba, Giovanni Corino
Tasted 20 months ago at the estate, I now notice that the nose is almost identical. The blueberries, ink and spices are here. There is a hint of a more mature forest floor scent, like in the autumn. Very, very good.
The taste is pure and fresh with the same salivating tannins and a fine cherry bitterness at the end. Some inky notes as well. For drinking now and the coming 4+ years.
87p   (tasted 2019/09)

Sunday 15 September 2019

2017 Dolcetto d´Alba Coste & Fossati, G. D. Vajra


2017 Dolcetto d´Alba Coste & Fossati, G. D. Vajra
A juicy, upfront Dolcetto with fine notes of ripe bluberries, black olives, iron and lots of violets. A fine depth and concentration. Very, very good.
The taste is tight and fine with silky tannins and notes of blueberry pie, iron, crisp tobacco and fine saline notes. Very long and fine. A great drink today but I venture that it will be even better in 3+ years time.
91p   (tasted 2019/08)

Tuesday 10 September 2019

A Couple Of Days In Piedmont - Visits To Palladino & Ettore Germano


I spent the first day solely in Serralunga, with five estate visits and lunch at Centro Storico. A report from the three first visits can be found here.

Centro Storico
You must always visit Ciccio, that is the law! Compared to ten years ago, you now have to book in advance in order to get a table, especially in the busy seasons. I had done that so a table was ready and Ciccio poured me a glass of bubbly to get lunch started!


A new producer for me - yummy!



2016 Langhe Nebbiolo from Giovanni Rosso - great juice!



The heresy! :-) While having lunch, Giacomo Conterno showed up with a friend. They generously offered me a glass of this Burgundy - very young, with a kiss of oak on the nose, on the palate rich, ripe Pinot fruit 


Palladino
Piero Palladino bought this estate in 1974 and entrusted its managent to his cousin Maurilio. 45 years later I met up with Maurilio´s granddaughter Veronica who showed me the cellar and poured these fine wines.


2016 Barbera d´Alba Superiore Bricco delle Olive
A deep, upfront, juicy nose with notes of ripe raspberries, Finnish licorice, warm earth and fir wood. An elegant warmth. Very fine.
The taste is tight and concentrated with notes of moist earth, some blackberries, tobacco and tiles. Long. A very fine structure. I would venture that the 2017 could be something else.
91p   (tasted 2019/08)


2017 Nebbiolo d´Alba
A fine, warm, spicy nose with notes of iron, ripe cherries, rosehips and black olives, Very, very good.
The taste is tight and fairly concentrated with notes of bakelite, black cherries and salt licorice. Backward, needs time. Long. Very fine.
90p   (tasted 2019/08)

2015 Barolo del Comune di Serralunga
A very fine, classic nose with notes of rosehips, hard cherry candy, licorice and forest floor. Even elegant. Deep. Lovely.
The taste is taut and fine with notes of sweet/sour cherries, licorice, mushrooms and minerals. Silky tannins. Long and fine. 6+ years.
92p   (tasted 2019/08)


2015 Barolo Parafada
The Parafada showcases a deep, beautiful nose with notes of Christmas spices, rose petals, ripe red cherries and a flowery perfumed scent. Really fine.
The taste is tight and structured with notes of red cherries, chrushed rocks, spices and rosehip. Handsome tannins. Very long. 8+ years.
94p   (tasted 2019/08)


2015 Barolo Ornato
The Ornato displays a deep, tight, structured nose with notes of asphalt, rowan berries, beet root and herbs. Backward. Some furniture polish after a while. Very deep.
The taste is rich and concentrated with notes of dry licorice, dried cherries, tobacco and herbs. Chewable tannins. Very long. Very fine caged fruit. 10+ years.
93p   (tasted 2019/08)

2013 Barolo Riserva San Bernardo
Another stunner from the great vintage of 2013. The nose soars up from the glass with notes of dried up strawberry jam, dried flowers, ceps and spices. Refined and lovely.
The taste is solid and multi layered with notes of dried strawberries, spices, rose water and mushrooms. Very long and intense. Great wine. 6+ years.
94p   (tasted 2019/08)



Ettore Germano
The last visit on my first day. I thought I should have plenty of time when finishing this visit before I had to drive up to La Coccinella for dinner.
Well, 21 wines later, straight up to Serravalle!
This is and old family owned estate, started in 1856. For years and years the family sold the grapes and made wine for their own consumption. Sergio convinced this father to start bottling wines, the first Barolo vintage in 1987, and since 1993 they no longer sell any grapes but produce a range of very fine wines.
Sergio spent over two hours with me, pouring delicate wines, explaining his visions and eager to find out what I thought - in all a memorable visit!


I offered to take this with me to make some space in the cellar...


2016 Rosanna Rosé Extra Brut
This 100% Nebbiolo bubbly offers up fresh, lively nose with notes of wild strawberries, birch leaves and almonds.
The taste is dry and fine with notes of dried strawberries, gravel and hints of lavender soap. Very good. 3 gr.
87p   (tasted 2019/08)


2015 Alta Langha Extra Brut
This high altitude Pinot Noir and Chardonnay blend has a pure, chalky nose with notes of lemon peel, white currants and gravel. Very fine.
The taste is energetic and fresh with notes of chalk, red currants and smoke. A very fine acidity. A low key intensity. This is really fine. 1 gr.
91p   (tasted 2019/08)

2018 Langhe Chardonnay
A nice, open nose with notes of butter cookies, yellow apples and hints of coconut. Very good.
The taste is stony and clean with notes of lemon cream, dry fudge and wet stones. A good acidity.
87p   (tasted 2019/08)


2016 Binel
A blend of 95% Chardonnay and 5% Riesling, and when I ask Sergio what he wants from the Riesling in the blend, the obvious answer is - acidity. The nose is medium deep with fine notes of fried nuts, butter cookies and hints of ripe pears. Very, very good.
The taste is tight and finely textured with notes of candied lemons, sage, chrushed rocks and smoke. Long. A very good acidity.
89p   (tasted 2019/08)

2008 Binel
Sergio then fetched a magnum of 08 Binel that had been opened three days ago. The nose displays more mature features but is still very fresh, with notes of apricots, orange peel and earth. Very fine.
The taste is deep and multi layered with notes of lemon cream, assorted nuts and smoke. A very fine structure. Long and lovely.
91p   (tasted 2019/08)


2018 Langhe Nascetta
With the tell tale nose of Nascetta, Sergio´s version offers up grass, white pepper and spices on the nose. Very, very good.
The taste is fresh and spicy with notes of white pepper, summer flowers and grass. A fine acidity. Crisp.
88p   (tasted 2019/08)

2017 Hérzu
Sergio has made this Langhe Riesling since 2005. The 17 has a fine, low key nose with notes of rubber, ripening pears and minerals. A hint of a petrol station in a distance.
The taste is young, tight and racy with notes of grey pears, slate and fine soap. A long finish with a fine acidity.
88p   (tasted 2019/08)


2016 Hérzu
The 16 Hérzu is even better with a high, lemony nose with additional notes of tangerines, diesel and smoke. Very fine.
The taste is pure and delicate with notes of lemon peel, slate, dried summer flowers and sweet minerals. Very long and fine.
91p   (tasted 2019/08)

2018 Hérzu
The youngest of the Hérzu´s has a young, fresh nose with notes of grass, birch leaves and gremolata. Very, very good.
The taste is high and refined with notes of grass, minerals, birch sap and lime peel. A very fine acidity. Needs a couple of years in the cellar
89p   (tasted 2019/08)

2018 Barbera d´Alba
A upfront and juicy nose with a fine mix of raspberries and blueberries alongside notes of licorice and warm herbs.
The taste is fruity and direct with notes of blueberry pie, licorice, fir and undergrowth. A fine finish with a very good acidity.
88p   (tasted 2019/08)


2016 Barbera d´Alba Superiore Della Madre
From 45 year old vines, this a serious Barbera, with a deep, extrovert nose with notes of Finnish licorice, wild raspberries, forest floor and veal stock. Very deep and fine.
The taste is rich and concentrated with notes of licore, ripe raspberries, violets and a hint of mint. Very long and finely structured. 6+ years.
92p   (tasted 2019/08)

2018 Langhe Nebbiolo
Light and fresh with notes of herbs, rhubarb, red currants and gravel. Very good.
The taste is fresh and light peppery with notes of rosehips, cranberries and gravel. Easy drinking and very nice.
86p   (tasted 2019/08)



2015 Barolo del Comune di Serralunga
The blend of this Normale is 60% Cerretta, 30% Prapó and 10% Lazzarito. The nose is deep and spicy with notes of hard cherry candy, herbs, paint and rosehips. Firm and fine.
The taste is spicy and fine with notes of ripe cherries, violets and asphalt. A fine structure. 4+ years.
90p   (tasted 2019/08)

2014 Barolo Prapó
A refined, light nose with fine notes of dried strawberries, earth and fine balsamic aromas. A fine dryness.
The taste is medium bodied and balanced with notes of balsamic marinated strawberries, earth and dried flowers. For drinking now and the coming 5+ years.
91p   (tasted 2019/08)


2014 Barolo Cerretta
A deep, old school nose with notes of damp earth, dog fur, Christmas spices and red cherries. Very fine in a restrained way.
The taste is tight and concentrated with notes of earth, dried cherries, candle-grease and herbs. Very long and with a fine intensity. 4+ years.
92p   (tasted 2019/08)

2015 Barolo Prapó
A cool, tight, energetic nose with notes of ripe lingonberries, warm tiles, earth and rosehips. Very, very good. A fine laid back warmth.
The taste is multi layered and seedy with notes of violets, hard cherry candy and minerals. Very long and structured. Really fine. 6+ years.
93p   (tasted 2019/08)


2015 Barolo Cerretta
The 15 Cerretta is a gem. The nose is laid back, concentrated and high with notes of ripe cherries, furniture polish, violets and asphalt. Very pure and fine.
The taste is handsome, pure and vigorous with notes of perfect cherries, some tobacco, tiles and rosehips. Sweet tannins. Long and lovely. 8+ years.
95p   (tasted 2019/08)

2015 Barolo Vignarionda
Atto A Dare - Not Really Ready. From 4 years old vines, this shows lots of promise for vintages ahead. The nose is deep and tight with notes of red plums, cool tobacco and a hint of mint. Very fine.
The taste is seedy and fine with notes of red currants, bakelite, tobacco and ripe flowers. A very fine balance. Very long. 5+ years.
93p   (tasted 2019/08)



2014 Langhe Nebbiolo VR
Not really a Vignarionda, but the VR on the label gives away the origin of the grapes. The nose is medium deep, finely focused with notes of red currants, dry tobacco, a hint of mint and gravel.
The taste is dry and tight with notes of red currants, almond paste, herbs and bakelite. Long and fine. For drinking now and the coming 4+ years.
90p   (tasted 2019/08)

2012 Barolo Riserva Lazzarito
From 1 ha, the Lazzarito in 2012 is a stunner. The nose is very deep, spicy and beautiful with notes of ripe, sweet black fruit, old tobacco, model clay and fried herbs. A lovely laid back sweetness. Very fine.
The taste is refined and racy with notes of sour/sweet cherries, autumn leaves, tobacco and dried up balsamic vinegar. Very long, rich and refined.
95p   (tasted 2019/08)


2013 Barolo Riserva Lazzarito
The 13 Riserva is more restrained and locked in, compared to the 2012. The nose is racy and refined with notes of black cherries, cool tobacco, earth and fresh herbs. Low keyed and lovely.
The taste is elegant and fine with notes of ripening cherries, asphalt, rosehips and bay leaves. A long, structured finish. Needs plenty of time, 8+ years.
93p   (tasted 2019/08)