2015 & 2016 Langhe Nebbiolo, Paolo Scavino

2015 Langhe Nebbiolo, Paolo Scavino
Two half bottles tasted side by side and it was a fine showing of the individual vintages. The 15 has a open, inviting, warm nose with notes of ripe raspberries, Finnish licorice, root vegetables and a touch of bonfire smoke. Round and fine.
The taste is fine, warm and (almost) ready for drinking, with notes of pipe tobacco, ripe red fruits, earth and licorice. A long finish with a nice warmth. Very, very good. 3+ years.
88p   (tasted 2019/08)

2016 Langhe Nebbiolo, Paolo Scavino
The 16 Langhe Nebbiolo is another creature - deeper, darker and with more black than red fruit. The nose is more structured and energetic. Fine notes of of dark roses, salmiak and dry tobacco.
The taste is more backward with a tighter framework and more delicate tannins. Very long. Lovely ripe fruit. This is really fine. 6+ years. Will stock up on this, 10 Euro for a half bottle.
91p   (tasted 2019/08)

Vacation Wines - 2012 Barbaresco, La Ca` Növa

Barbaresco with the sage that was fried in lots of butter and then spooned over home made gnoochis with pancetta...

2012 Barbaresco, La Ca` Növa
The summer vacation is almost at an end, time to open a final bottle. This youngster needs some time in the glas to open up to a delicate nose with notes of cranberries, sweet lingonberries, shoe polish, roses and a hint of cigarette ash. Not that deep but very charming.
The taste is still young and tight with perky tannins and notes of rowanberries, dry licorice, gravel and dried flowers. Medium long and finely balanced. 4+ years but easy to drink today.
88p   (tasted 2019/08)

Three Stunning Reds

Tasted and drunk at friends a couple of weeks ago. Tasted double blind.

2002 Château Pichon Baron
The nose shows classic ceder and black currant aromas. Together with notes of dark coffee and leather it was easy to start guessing right bank Bordeaux. A high, fine nose. Classy. A glimpse of maturity but this has far to go.
The taste is deep and polished with shiny black fruit and the sandy tannins in the finish goes on for over a minute. Expensive leather, sugared coffe and a hint of dog fur. Very refined. Right bank Bordeaux proved to be correct, but I guessed it to be a 2005. Hands down the best 02 I have ever tasted.
94p   (tasted 2019/07)

2001 Saffredi, Fattoria Le Pupille
Another winner in the guessing game. At least when it came to origin - Italy/Tuscany - and vintage. But I got the cepage wrong, thought it to be a Sangiovese in a Super Tuscan kind of way. The 01 Saffredi offers up a deep, mellow, somewhat mature nose with notes of plums, dark cherries, sand and dried herbs. Very, very good.
The taste is round and generous with notes of chocolate covered cherries, dark minerals, herbs and leather. Long and fine. For drinking now and the coming 6+ years.
92p   (tasted 2019/07)

2001 Montevetrano
Our host was ever so generous in that he let me and S rummage around in his wine cabinet and choose a wine that we would pour blind for him. What to choose - a white label Giacosa, another stunning Bordeaux, an interesting Cabernet Franc or a great American cab?
No, finally we settled for this bottle. Brought it up, decanted it and poured it. We could have choosen anything among 80-100 bottles, but within minutes he nailed it - 2001 Montevetrano! A class act.
The nose is finely tuned with some maturity and refined notes of dried flowers, iron, dried up cherry jam and red beets. Very, very fine.
The taste is dry and cool with a lovely dried red cherry taste and additional notes of iron, dry tobacco, rosemary and old leather. Refreshing tannins in the long finish. Really fine. 4+ years.
94p   (tasted 2019/07)

Not So Long Overdue Notes - The Barolo Boys Visits Sandrone & Guido Porro

The Barolo Boys soldiers on, with two more visits - first at one of my favourite producers and next to a new favourite.

Sandrone
2017 Dolcetto d´Alba
This is a deep and concentrated style of Dolcetto with notes of dark fruit, bonfire smoke, velvety and viscous. Very, very good.
The taste is young and tarry with notes of earth, dark cherries, asphalt and licorice. Fine, perky tannins. Needs 5+ years.
91p   (tasted 2018/11)

2016 Barbera d´Alba
A big, smoky nose with notes of Finnish licorice, scorched earth, dark bread and moist earth. Very deep and round.
The taste is big and brawny with notes of raspberry licorice, smoke, moist earth and dried herbs. A very good acidity that cleans up the palate.
90p   (tasted 2018/11)

2016 Nebbiolo d´Alba Valmaggiore
The Valmaggiore is always a treat, and the 16 is no exception. The nose is deep and profound with notes of spicy cherries, dark flowers, warm rocks, rosehips and mushrooms. Very refined. Just lovely.
The taste is tight and concentrated with notes of cranberries, rose petals, cool tobacco and some tarry notes. Silky tannins. Very long. Great wine. 6+ years.
94p   (tasted 2018/11)

2014 Barolo Le Vigne
The 14 Le Vigne sports a high, handsome nose with notes of hard cherry candy, dried roses, undergrowth and dry licorice. Complex and fine.
The taste is sandy, fine and multi layered with notes of ripe red cherries, dried flowers, salmiak and undergrowth. Fine, gripping tannins. Very, very fine. 5+ years.
95p   (tasted 2018/11)

2014 Barolo Aleste
The Aleste is deeper and darker than the Le Vigne, and displays notes of morels, sweet violets, dark undergrowth and some fine balsamic notes. Very deep and a more restrained than the Le Vigne.
The taste is pure and concentrated with notes of hard cherry candy, dry licorice, fresh flowers and a hint of tobacco. Very, very long and promising. 8+ years. 14 - a bad year - blaaaah!
95p   (tasted 2018/11)

2010 Barolo Le Vigne
Barbara was ever so kind to fetch these bottles that had been opened earlier that day. We had the 10 Le Vigne at Belbo da Bardon one and a half year ago, and this bottle performed equally brilliant.
96p   (tasted 2018/11)

Barbara & Luciano

2010 Barolo Cannubi Boschis
The Cannubi Boschis sports a haunting, perfumed, deep nose with notes of raspberry, licorice, leather, cold coffe and truffles. Very, very fine. A hint of maturity.
The taste is concentrated, tight and just awesome with notes of ripe cherries, leather, Finnish licorice, undergrowth and asphalt. A great balance and lenght. 6+ years.
96p   (tasted 2018/11)

Guido Porro
2017 Dolcetto d´Alba V. Pari
Our first visit to Guido Porro but definitely not our last! There is plenty to like here, starting with the sprightly, upfront Dolcetto with its blueberry fruit, balsa wood and balsamic scents.
The taste is tight and racy with notes of spiced up blueberries, undergrowth and bay leaves. Long and juicy. Very, very good.
90p   (tasted 2018/11)

2017 Barbera d´Alba V. S. Caterina
The 17 Barbera has a big, smoky nose with notes of moist earth, raspberries, rubber and cool perfume. Rich and interesting.
The nose is big and juicy with a fine acidity and notes of ripe raspberries, licorice, sweet coffee and earth. Potent and fine.
88p   (tasted 2018/11)

2017 Langhe Nebbiolo Camilu
Bottled only ten days ago, this Langhe Nebbiolo shows a deep, herbal nose with notes of sweet cherry candy, bonfire smoke and mushrooms. Very, very good.
The taste is young, tight and seedy with notes of dry licorice, hard cherry candy and gravel. A very fine, tight structure. 4+ years.
90p   (tasted 2018/11)

2014 Barolo Gianetto
Made from 8 year old vines, this fine Barolo displays notes of violet pastilles, forest floor, dried cherries and salmiak. Very, very good.
The taste is tight and restrained with sandy tannins and fine red fruits. Needs time, hasn´t really filled its costume yet.
86p   (tasted 2018/11)

2014 Barolo V. S. Caterina
The 14 Caterina is cool and spicy with notes of dog fur, old paint, hard cherry candy and dry licorice. Very complex, deep and fine.
The taste is tight and finely tuned with notes of dried red cherries, bay leaves, dried mushrooms and shoe polish. Cool long, and fine. 5+ years.
92p   (tasted 2018/11)

The charming Guido explains something for the Barolo Boys

2014 Barolo V. Lazzairasco
From 50 year old vines, this beauty offers up a large scaled, tight nose with notes of gravel, cherry jam that has dried up, ripe flowers, earth and rosehips. A salty touch. Very fine.
The taste is tight, cool and fine with notes of dried cherries, dry licorice, asphalt and fir wood. Very long and balanced. Really good. 8+ years.
92p   (tasted 2018/11)

2014 Barolo Vigna Rionda
In 2011 Guido inheritad 1,4 ha of Barolo land, of which 0,55 ha are in Vigna Rionda. He replanted it in 2012 so this wine is from two year old vines! The nose is cool and somewhat backward with notes of salt licorice, warm rocks, ripening cherries and earth. Very elegant despite its age.
The taste is handsome and even aristocratic with fine concentration and pretty red fruits. Tails of a little at the end. Very promising.
90p   (tasted 2018/11)

2015 Barolo Vigna Rionda
By this time Guido had noticed that The Barolo Boys were keen Nebbiolo aficionados, so he asked it wanted to taste the 15 Vigna Rionda? Does the Pope have a funny hat!?
The 15 is right out of the bottle a little rowdy on the nose, but it soon settles down and displays notes of ripe cherries, Finnish licorice, chrushed rocks and rosehips. Very fine. A more rustic elegance compared to the 14.
The taste is tight, concentrated and multi layered with notes of ripe cherries, a hint of tobacco, minerals and rosehips. The finish is very long and balanced. A really impressive wine from three year old vines! From cask.
~94p   (tasted 2018/11)

2015 Barolo V. S. Caterina
Guido continued to ask if we wanted to taste the 15´s and guess what we answered...? The 16 Caterina sports a deep, autumn filled nose with notes of a mushroom forest, violets. rose oil and som Christmas spices. Delicate and fine.
The taste is cool and refines with notes of hard cherry candy, rosehip, violets and mushrooms. A very fine dryness in the finish. Long. 6+ years. Will be bottled in March of 2019, as the Lazzairasco below.
~93p   (tasted 2018/11)

2015 Barolo V. Lazzairasco
A very deep, balanced nose with notes of sweet/sour cherries, earth/compost, licorice and dark roses. Very, very fine.
The taste is complex and fine with notes of ripe cherries, salt licorice, earth, roses and minerals. Very, very long. Broad, silky tannins. Great wine. 8+ year.
~94p   (tasted 2018/11)

2015 Barolo Gianetto
A fine, high nose with notes of autumn leaves, balsa wood, ripening cherries and rosehips. Very, very good.
The taste is cool and tight with notes of chalk, red cherries, rosehips and a hint of tobacco. A seedy ending with a good warmth. 5+ years.
~88p   (tasted 2018/11)

Vacation Wines - 1990 Château Citran

1990 Château Citran
The 90 was made during a short period (1987-1996) when Citran was owned by a Japanese company that made huge investments in the estate. And it shows in this wine.
The nose is that of a classic aged Bordeaux, with fine notes of leather, cassis, dry tobacco and fine barnyardy aromas. Very nice and in a perfect mature stage.
The taste is medium bodied and dry with notes of dried red and black currants, some iron, autumn leaves and tobacco leaves. A tad short though. Better, and livelier on the nose. A fine dryness. Bottles like this should be drunk sooner than later (and this bottle had a great level for 28 year old wine, see below).
88p   (tasted 2019/08)

Other vintages tasted:
1995 & 2005 Château Citran

1996 Château Citran

2000 Château Citran

Vacation Wines - 2012 Barolo Villero, Brovia

2012 Barolo Villero, Brovia
A finely tuned, low keyed nose with beautiful notes of rowan berries, dry licorice, dried wild strawberries, a hint of smoke and lots of chrushed rocks. Very fine. A lovely floral scent. Not a hint of warmth (being a 2012), just elegance.
The taste is seedy and refined with notes of dried red cherries, minerals, iron and earth. The tannins are polished with the finest cloth. Alex has fashioned a stunning Villero - again (see notes below). Should hit maturity in 6+ years. Sadly my only bottle.
93p   (tasted 2019/08)

2010 Villero

2013 Villero (first time tasted)

2013 Villero (second time tasted)

2015 Villero

Vacation Wines - 2001 Les Aspres, Domaine Cros

2001 Les Aspres, Domaine Cros
This is the wine that I have bought, tasted and drunk the most of, of all bottles during my 30 year of wine folly. Tasted the first time around 2004/2005, I then bought first one, then a second case. My friends also bought it and I have tasted from their cellars, so all in all I think I have tasted this about 30 times. This is, alas, my last bottle...
The nose soars from the glass with stunning notes of sweet violets, seared meat, bacon fat, sweet/sour licorice, melting asphalt and dried rosemary. It wears its 18 years with pride.
The taste is deep, tight and concentrated with notes of rosemary spiced grilled meat, wet undergrowth, bakelite, violets and sweet tobacco. Very intense. Very long, Very, very fine. Bottles like this will go on for 10+ years. A great mouthful.
96p   (tasted 2019/08)

Previous tasted 2001´s:

 http://barolista.blogspot.se/2012/04/easter-syrah-battle-part-i.html

 http://barolista.blogspot.se/2014/01/the-results-from-swedish-syrah-jury.html

 http://barolista.blogspot.se/2014/08/5-bottles-of-syrah-fizzy-zinfandel.html

 http://barolista.blogspot.se/2015/09/a-dear-reunion-2001.html

Vacation Wines - 1998 Barolo, Schiavenza

1998 Barolo, Schiavenza
This 21 year old Barolo offers up - after one hour in the decanter - fine notes of scorched earth, red beets, sun warm asphalt, dried cherries and old paint. Mature and fine.
The taste is warm, steady and rich with notes of cooked cherries, tobacco, root vegetables and cold sugared coffee. There are still some tannins in the long finish. Very, very good.
90p   (tasted 2019/07)

Vacation Wines - 2013 Pinot Noir Tout Prés, By Farr

2013 Pinot Noir Tout Prés, Farr
Nowadays, when a Bourgogne Rouge from a decent producer costs 50+ Euro..., it is nice to be able to buy Grand Cru Pinot from New Zeeland for the same price. In this case, the Tout Prés from By Farr.
The nose is deep, perfumed, earthy and rich with notes of cooked root vegetables, rhubarb licorice, sun warm rocks and a hint of cool tobacco leaves. A very fine sweetness to the fruit. Lovely.
The taste is tight and concentrated with lift, energy and focus, alongside notes of moist earth, ripe wild strawberries, dried flowers and parsnips. A long, distinct finish with a fine acidity. Great wine, now and the coming 8+ years.
95p   (tasted 2019/07)

Vacation Wines - 1993 Barbaresco, Produttori Del Barbaresco

1993 Barbaresco, Produttori del Barbaresco
A cool, earthy, mature nose with notes of rowanberries, dried cherries, dry asphalt and a hint of smoke. Low keyed yet with character and with a mature intensity. Very, very good.
The taste is dry and expressive with notes of bakelite, lingonberries, dry violets and dried flowers - a lot of dry notes but not in the least "dry". A long, dry, fine finish. Perfect now.
89p   (tasted 2019/07)

Vacation Wines - 2012 Barolo Acclivi, Burlotto

2012 Barolo Acclivi, Burlotto
From the master himself, Fabio, comes this 2012. From the get go, the nose show some warmth, but with air it becomes more cool and structured with notes of cranberries, earth, toasted almonds and iodine. Very deep and fine.
The taste is handsome and crisp with notes of red currants, dried strawberries, dry licorice, bakelite and paint. Very long with a fine dryness and a light intensity. A lovely wine for drinking now and the coming 6+ years.
93p   (tasted 2019/07)

Vacation Wines - 2016 Langhe Nebbiolo, Luigi Pira & 2004 Barolo Vecchia Vigna Delle Brunate, M. Marengo

2016 Langhe Nebbiolo, Luigi Pira
Tasted twice before with Gianpaolo - in December of 2017 & April of 2018 - this Langhe Nebbiolo gives us some hints of what 2016 will bring when the Baroli will be relased in 2020 - this will be an expensive year...
92p   (tasted 2019/07)

2004 Barolo Vecchia Vigna delle Brunate, M. Marengo
The first vintage of the Brunate Riserva (as it is named now), this beauty displays a deep, round, forest filled nose with notes of dy violets, a hint of bonfire smoke, old chocolate biscuits, rowanberries and some rubbery scents. Very complex and fine.
The taste is dry, multi layered and complex with notes of raspberry licorice, mushrooms, forest floor and violets. A very long, fine finish with silky tannins and a dry ending. Very, very fine. Drinking perfectly now but will keep for another 10+ years.
95p   (tasted 2019/07)

Vacation Wines - 2015 Barolo Brunate, Flavio Saglietti

2015 Barolo Brunate, Flavio Saglietti
A new producer for me, this young Brunate is very promising. The nose is cool and seedy with notes of red currants, dried cherries, violets, iron and a hint of tobacco, very much in the Brunate character. Very, very good.
The taste is tight, wit a fine backbone and notes of rowan berries, dry licorice, iron and nutmeg. Long, dry and fine. Silky tannins. Needs 6+ years in the cellar. (The bottle got tossed out before a pic was taken...).
91p   (tasted 2019/07)

Vacation Wines - 2016 Petruccino, Podere Forte

2016 Petruccino, Podere Forte
I tasted the 2015 eight months ago and was eager to pull the cork of the 16. The first vintage of Petruccino with 100% Sangiovese. The nose is rich and bold with gogeous notes of spicy licorice, ripe black cherries, violets, saw dust and the intriguing scent of a fresh hockey puck.
The taste is concentrated, energetic and pure with notes of ripe cherries, chrushed tiles, sweet violets pastilles and rosemary. Very, very long. Impressive now but will become even better with 5+ years in the cellar.
94p   (tasted 2019/07)

Vacation Wines - 2016 Langhe Nebbiolo, Giuseppe Rinaldi

2016 Langhe Nebbiolo, Giuseppe Rinaldi
Deceptively light, both in colour and texture, but there is a low keyed intensity here, with notes of wild strawberries, forest floor, cool licorice and a hint of diesel oil. Very fine.
The taste is high, pure and gulpable with notes of red currants, rhubarb, dry licorice and wet asphalt. Distinct and very fine. A joy to drink, now and the coming 10 years.
93p   (tasted 2019/07)

Vacation Wines - 2014 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Morgeot, Jean-Claude Ramonet

2014 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Morgeot, Jean-Claude Ramonet
It is always a treat to drink a great bottle from Ramonet. There has been some ups and downs over the years, but when a bottle is up, it is a real treat.
The nose is a dream with purity and complexity in spades. There are stunning notes of candied lemons, butter biscuits, cap gun smoke, spices and cream. Very saline. Precise. Gorgeous.
The taste is creamy, finely tuned and long lasting with notes of matchbox, ripe lemons, sweet minerals and a touch of banana peel. Very, very fine. The finish goes on and on and on. I will wait 5+ years with my remaining bottles. A class act.
97 p   (tasted 2019/07)

Vacation Wines - 2005 Volnay 1er Cru Les Brouillards, Domaine Bernard & Thierry Glantenay

2005 Volnay 1 er Cru Les Brouillardes, Domaine Bernard & Thierry Glantenay

A deep, light meaty nose with notes of root vegetables, forest floor, fir wood, ripe flowers and hints of iodine. Very, very good. After some time in the glass there aere fine barnyardy aromas that arises.

The taste is finely mature with notes of parsnips, forest floor, warm tiles and herbs. Long and fine. A very silky structure. Great now and the coming 6+ years.

91p   (tasted 2019/07)

Vacation Wines - 2010 Barolo Coste & Bricco, Ascheri

2010 Barolo Coste & Bricco, Ascheri
I had this wine two years ago, and it still needs a couple of more years in the cellar. The nose is vigorous and intense with notes of sweet/sour cherries, red currants, bakelite, violets and roses. Very deep, multi layered and fine.
The taste is young and forceful with notes of hard cherry candy, sandelwood, violets and chrushed rocks. Very fine polished tannins that leaves a mark in the finish. Long and fine. 4+ years.
Here are notes from a visit to Ascheri in November of 2018.
93p   (tasted 2019/07)

Vacation Wines - 2006 Gentilhomme, AR Lenoble & 2008 Barbaresco Montersino, Orlando Abrigo

Today start our vacation - four weeks of sun (hopefully...), fun and wine (that is a certain!). Lets commence with a bubbly and a Nebbiolo.

2006 Gentilhomme, AR Lenoble
Last time tasted three years ago, and this bottle has matured some. The nose is salty and refined with notes of fennel, cap gun smoke. wet asphalt and grass. Very deep and fine.
The taste is fresh and racy with notes of chalk, cold butter, biscuits and a hint of ginger. Long, cool and elegant. A very good acidity. Some mature notes but this could be cellared for 6+ years.
93p   (tasted 2019/07)

2008 Barbaresco Montersino, Orlando Abrigo
This fine Barbaresco displays a round, somewhat mature nose with notes of dried rasoberries, forest floor, violets, mushrooms and sand. A very fine laid back warmth. Very, very good.
The taste is dry and sandy with notes of dried raspberries, violets, cranberries and sandel wood. Lots of minerals in the finish. Dry and fine. Perfect for drinking now and the coming 5+ years.
91p   (tasted 2019/07)

2017 Dolcetto d´Alba, Bruno Giacosa

2017 Dolcetto d´Alba, Bruno Giacosa
An upfront, spicy nose with notes of ligthly peppered blueberries, chrushed tiles, herbs and a hint of an really old balsamic vinegar. Very, very good.
The taste is young and fresh with notes of ripe black currants, blueberries, gravel and rosemary. Fine, sandy tannins. Long and juicy. Drinking great now but could be cellared for many years. The 2015 was tasted a year ago.
90p   (tasted 2019/07)

1971 Château Filhot

1971 Château Filhot
A lovely, mature, open and inviting nose with notes of saffron, nail polish, dried tangerines, autumn leaves, sealing wax and old wrinkled red apples. Deep and lovely.
The taste is elegant and fine with notes of dried peach, linoleum, iodine and wet stones. A long finish with a fine acidity, and it ends semi dry. Drinking great today.
92p   (tasted 2019/06)

Not So Long Overdue Notes - The Barolo Boys Visits Tenuta Cucco & Vietti

The Barolo Boys had a couple of great day in Langhe (as always) in November of 2018. Here are notes from two more visits.

Tenuta Cucco
2017 Langhe Chardonnay
This is a spicy, upfront Chard with fine notes of yellow apples, smoke and melon. Cool and fine.
The taste is tight with a fine acidity and notes of lemon cream, melon and smoke. Very, very good.
89p   (tasted 2018/11)

2017 Dolcetto d´Alba
A earthy, spicy nose with notes of bay leaves, blueberries and some tobacco aromas. Very good.
The taste is light and fresh with notes of earth, bakelite and ripening blueberries. Sandy tannins.
87p   (tasted 2018/11)

2017 Langhe Nebbiolo
The smell is that of a forest from my childhood when picking berries in the autumn. Next is scents of licorice, cherries and some smoke. Ver, very good.
The taste is pure and fresh with notes of red cherries, licorice and moist undergrowth. Fresh tannins. An uplifting character. Very nice indeed.
89p   (tasted 2018/11)

2016 Langhe Rosso
A big nose with a fine mix of raspberries and blueberries alongside scents of plums and salted licorice. A blend of Nebbiolo, Barbera, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. These blends gives a little of everything, but in my view it seldom become one+one=three.
The taste is very good with nice fruit and fine acidity and tannins but yet again, a bit all over the place.
87p   (tasted 2018/11)

2014 Barolo del Commune di Serralunga
The 14 Normale displays a young, seedy nose with notes of asphalt, undergrowth, paint and rowan berries. Very fine.
The taste is fine and elegant with notes of dried up raspberry jam, asphalt and dried herbs. A very good balance. Long. Very, very good.
91p   (tasted 2018/11)

Giovanni took care of us, showed us the cellars and poured these fine wines

2013 Barolo del Commune di Serralunga
Interesting enough, the 13 Normale isn´t as good as the 14. At least today. The nose is restrained with a fine depth and notes of gravel, dry raspberries and asphalt. Needs air.
The taste shows a fine structure and Serralunga power but is a bit locked in for now. Fine notes of cranberries, dry raspberries, tobacco and rosehips. Needs time.
89p   (2018/11)

2014 Barolo Cerrati
A very refined, handsome nose with notes of perfectly ripe cherries and notes of forest floor, tobacco and root vegetables. Very fine.
The taste is tight and focused with notes of black cherries, bay leaves, rose petals and earth. A very fine structure. 6+ years.
93p   (2018/11)

2013 Barolo Cerrati
Again, the 14 Cerrati is better than the 13 version, although this is no slouch. The nose is deep and rustic with notes of dried cherries, asphalt, dried herbs and a hint of tobacco.
The taste is tight and seedy with notes of sweet/sour cherries, asphalt, dried flowers and some leathery notes. Long and fine. 5+ years.
91p   (2018/11)

2012 Barolo Riserva Ceratti Vigna Cucco
The two Riserva´s from Ceratti are world class wines. The 12 has spend 36 months in new oak and it doesn´t show! Instead, there are stunning notes of sweet/sour cherries, licorice, rosehips, moist forest floor, dried flowers and incense. Wonderful.
The taste is balanced and energetic with notes of ripe cherries, forest floor, herbs, dried roses and old leather. The finish goes on and on. Very, very fine.
94p   (2018/11)

2011 Barolo Riserva Ceratti Vigna Cucco
The 11 Riserva is almost as great as the 12, with its deep, perfumed nose with notes of paint, asphalt, herbs and licorice. Very deep and fine.
The taste is tight and concentrated with notes of dried cherries, tobacco, rosehips and asphalt. A very long finish with structured tannins. Needs more time in the bottle, say 8+ years.
93p   (2018/11)

Vietti
2017 Arneis
Always one of my favourite Arneis, and the 2017 is no exception. It has a pure, fresh nose with notes of spices, white pepper, lemon and a fine oily note. Very, very good.
The taste is crisp and fine with notes of lemon, spices and grass. A very fine acidity.
88p   (2018/11)

2016 Barbera d´Asti La Crena
A very deep, spicy nose with a fantastic raspberry filled nose with additional scents of Finnish licorice, forest floor and ripe flowers. Very fine.
The taste is concentrated and fine with a high acidity and sweet fruit in a fine package. Again, stunning raspberry flavours. Long.
92p   (2018/11)

2016 Langhe Nebbiolo
Another 16 Nebbiolo that shows what joys we can except when the 16 Baroli will be released next year. A refined, cherry layered nose with rosehips, mushrooms and undergrowth. Very fine.
The taste is tight and fine-limbed with silky tannins, a fine structure and fruit for the coming 10+ years.
92p   (2018/11)

2014 Barolo Castiglione
No Brunate was made in 2014 so that fruit has gone in the Castiglione. The nose is laid back and elegant with notes of ripe lingonberries, earth and dried flowers. Lean and fine.
The taste is seedy and tight with notes of sand, lingonberries, dried flowers and a hint of tobacco. For drinking while waiting for 13´s.
89p   (2018/11)

2015 Barolo Castiglione
The 15 Castiglione has more body and structure than the 14, with a sandy, fine nose with notes of ripening raspberries, rosehips, warm tiles and tar. Very, very good.
The taste is concentrated and built for aging, with notes of raspberry licorice, chrushed rocks, rosehips and, as in the 14, a hint of tobacco. 8+ years.
92p   (2018/11)

2015 Barolo Lazzarito
The 15 Lazzarito sports a deep, dark nose with notes of ripe raspberries, forest floor, rose petals and a delicate tobacco aroma. Very fine.
The taste is concentrated and ripe with notes of dark bread, warm rocks, earth and a fantastic raspberry fruit. Very long and distinct. 6+ years.
93p   (2018/11)

2015 Barolo Rocche
Always my favourite, the Rocche delivers the goods. The nose is deep and complex with notes of ripe red cherries, some sweet/sour scents, chrushed rocks, rosehips and gravel. Very, very fine.
The taste is just brilliant with fruit, acidity and tannins in perfect harmony, with a ripe cherry fruit and fine notes of hard cherry candy, roses and asphalt. A low keyed intensity. Needs 10 years and then it will flirt with perfection.
96p   (2018/11)

The charming Emanuela! Will be missed when visiting Vietti

2015 Barolo Ravera
The Ravera is the most restrained of the Cru´s, with a tight, rather closed nose with notes of assorted red fruits, chrushed rocks, rose petals and a hint of leather. Needs lots of time.
The taste is seedy and firm with notes of ripe lingonberries, sun warm rocks, herbs and forest floor. Needs a lot of time, but there is things going on underneath.
92p   (2018/11)

2015 Barolo Brunate
The Brunate is refined, even sensual, with lovely notes of Christmas spices, lingonberries, mushrooms and fir wood. Very fine.
The taste is tight and elegant with notes of undegrowth, rosehips, spices, dry chocolate and fir wood. Very, very long. A lovely texture. 7+ years.
95p   (2018/11)