Bond, The Name Is Bond

I was invited by Divine to a extraordinary tasting of wines from Bond. Max Kast from the estate conducted the tasting with humour, flair and knowledge.

All the cru´s from 2019 had some characteristics in common - perfectly ripe Cabernet Sauvignon fruit, perfectly polished tannins, a suave character and a lovely balance. Below I have written down their individual traits, as I saw them.

2019 Melbury, Bond

Melbury is a 2,8 ha large vineyard which was planted in 1989. The nose shows of notes of cigar smoke and moist earth. A bit more "common people" than the rest.

The taste is generous albeit silky and pure with notes of plums and tobacco. Lovely. 6+ years.

94p   (tasted 2023/04)

2019 Quella, Bond

The warmest of the cru´s with an area of 3.5 ha. Lots of dark flowers on the nose alongside minerals, iron and fir wood. Very, very deep.

The taste is racy and refined with the same dark flowers as on the nose. Stunning. 8+ years.

96p   (tasted 2023/04)

2019 St. Eden, Bond

4,3 ha, pure volcanic rock that shows of the nose with that smoky, volcanic scent. Some fresh herbs. 

The taste is very tight with notes of dark coffee, sun warm cement and damsons. Looong. 10+ years.

96p   (tasted 2023/04)

2019 Vecina, Bond

My favourite in the line up. From a 4,3 ha large, east facing vineyard. A restrained, aristocratic nose with notes of black olives, minerals and violets.

The taste is, for the exception of maturity, perfect. Every knot and bolt are in the perfect place. 8+ years away from perfection.

98p   (tasted 2023/04)

2019 Pluribus, Bond

The most backward on the cru´s. The most intense with the most tannins and structure. Lots of chrushed rocks, minerals and violets. Will require 12+ years in the cellar. Impressive.

97p   (tasted 2023/04)

2014 St. Eden, Bond

We were then privileged to get the opportunity to taste two bottles with some age. The 2014 St. Eden offers up a bottomless deep nose with notes of plums, tapenade, moist earth, wet stone and perfectly ripe black currants. Just stunning.

The taste is still tight and with some broad tannins but the velvety fruit offers a glimpse of maturity. Gorgeous notes of ripe black currants, cold coffee, minerals and plums. Elegance and power. 4+ years.

97p   (tasted 2023/04)

2011 Quella, Bond

I always know that I am in the presence of greatness when I start to write profanity in my tasting book. These kind of wines are hard to describe. Some other scribblings are violets en masse, dried herbs, dried plums, tiles and smoke. The balance is perfect, the maturity is spot on and the lenght is counted in minutes. Almost perfect. Wish I had some...

99p   (tasted 2023/04)

Great vegetarian dish at Rutabaga

2021 Dolcetto d´Alba, Bruno Giacosa

2021 Dolcetto d´Alba, Bruno Giacosa

The nose is young and seedy with notes of iron, bakelite, violets and a fine blueberry fruit. Some plums comes forward with air. Very, very good.

The taste is tight and focused with silky tannins, a good grip and notes of plums, rowan berries and tobacco. A very fine mouthfeel. Needs time, 6+ years.

90p   (tasted 2023/04)

1990 Barolo, Salvano

1990 Barolo, Salvano

Needed some time in the decanter to come around, and then showing of a mature, deep nose with notes of mushrooms, dry leather, sweet violets, dark roses and rosehip powder. Very, very good.

The taste is dry and mature with notes of dried red cherries, canned mushrooms, cold coffee and violets. Fully mature with a soft, fine finish.

88p   (tasted 2023/04)

2021 San Luigi & Papà Celso, Marziana Abbona

2021 Dogliani San Luigi, Marziana Abbona

A fine, open nose with notes of violets, blueberry bushes, iron and some summer asphalt aromas. High and fine.

The taste is cool and elegant with notes of a mix of raspberries and blueberries with additional notes of iron, gravel and violets. 4+ years.

90p   (tasted 2023/04)

Dogliani Papà Celso, Marziana Abbona

More structured than the San Luigi with denser fruit, deeper and with fine notes of ripe blueberries, iron, paint and a touch of tobacco. Very fine.

The taste is tight and concentrated with notes of ripe blueberries, bay leaves, chocolate biscuits and gravel. Best Papà Celso ever tasted. 6+ years.

93p   (tasted 2023/04)

A visit to Marziano Abbona:

Barolista: Long Overdue Notes - The Barolo Boys In Piedmont April 2018 - Part One - Visits To Abbona, Luigi Einaudi & Brovia

An Evening With Great Bottles - Abtserde, Cristal, Montrachet, Ornellaia, LCC, Grange & More

The concept was simple, a BYOB with the added clear and concise instruction - bring a bottle of really good juice. All did.

Tasted double blind.

2018 Abtserde, Keller

A cool, refined, laid back nose with notes of chalk, lemon zest, dry mango and smoke. Very, very fine.

The taste is high and tight with an almost electric nerve, a cleansing acidity and lots of grape and lemon fruit. Very long. Very young, 8+ years.

94p   (tasted 2023/04)

2008 Cristal, Louis Roederer

A deep, intense, layered nose with notes of sweet lime, fudge, strawberries and moist earth. Very complex and fine.

The taste is rich and refined with notes of toasted bread, fudge, chrushed rocks and lime. A finish that goes on and on. Just brilliant. 6+ years.

98p   (tasted 2023/04)

2019 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Champ Gain, Lucien Le Moine

A big and bold nose with notes of melted butter, lemoncello, dark fudge and glue. Deep and intense.

The taste is very focused and rich with notes of white peach, milk chocolate fudge and ripe flowers. Very long. 6+ years. 

94p   (tasted 2023/04)

2007 Montrachet, Moret-Nominé

A very deep, mature nose with notes of dried apricots, matchbox, earth and sweet minerals. Heavy in a positive sense.

The taste is elegant and mature with notes of yellow plums, smoke and dried flowers. An oily, old viney feeling. 

93p   (tasted 2023/04)

1997 Ornellaia

An almost fully mature nose with gorgeous notes of blueberries, cigarr smoke, herbs, ink and dry leather. Very deep and fine with a dried up warmth.

The taste feels younger than the nose with still some juicy tannins alongside notes of dried blackberries, tobacco, fried herbs and warm tiles. Very fine.

95p   (tasted 2023/04)

2000 Château Leoville-Las-Cases

Last tasted in September 2021 and this bottle behaved almost identical, maybe with a slight more adolescent impression. A stunning Bordeaux that will go on for 10+ years.

96p   (tasted 2023/04)

2020 OH, Sami-Ode

Only 815 bottles made of this beauty. Also the first vintage of OH (our hill). The nose is elegant, spicy and open with notes of asphalt, ripe blueberries, grilled meat and bay leaves. Very handsome.

The taste is tight and concentrated with velvet blueberry- and cherry fruit, lots of fresh herbs, some meaty notes and black pepper. Very long. The vines were planted in 2017, a really impressive wine from very young vines. 8+ years.

95p   (tasted 2023/04)

1991 Grange, Penfolds

My offering. The cork crumbled to pieces but the wine poured was stellar. It displays a big and bold nose with gorgeous notes of dark plums, fried herbs, violets, dried tomato and salt licorice. Very, very deep. A touch of maturity.

The taste is massive and structured with notes of soya, plums, pipe tobacco, asphalt and violets. The finish goes on for minutes. Ends very dry and fine. Will go on for another 10+ years. Great wine.

97p   (tasted 2023/04)

2001 Châteaneuf-du-Pape Reserve, Le Clos de Caillou

A large scaled, somewhat mature nose with notes of damsons, sweet lingonberries, coffee powder and cigarr smoke. A very fine sweetness to the fruit.

The taste is tight and rich with lots of ripe black fruit, scorched earth, smoke and sweet herbs. Very, very long. 5+ years.

93p   (tasted 2023/04)

2017 Valbuena 5o, Vega-Sicilia

A young, deep, spicy nose with notes of black cherries, violets, lightly peppered strawberries and rhubarb licorice. Very fine, albeit young.

The taste is taut and broad shouldered with a high intensity, lots of black fruit and a long, long distinct finish. Very promising. Needs 8+ years.

93p   (tasted 2023/04)

1994 Dow´s Vintage Port

A very deep, lifted nose with notes of plums, dark chocolate, quinine, iron, fried nuts and bakelite. Still on the young side of things. 

The taste is intense and focused with notes of salt licorice, plums, iron, damsons and chocolate covered cherries. Very, very long. Still needs 10+ years.

95p   (tasted 2023/04)

2017 Langhe Nebbiolo Bricco Ravera, Pecchenino

2017 Langhe Nebbiolo Bricco Ravera, Pecchenino

In September last year I visited Attilio at the estate - Barolista: A Couple Of Days In Piedmont - A Day In Dogliani - and  tasted the 2019 Bricoo Ravera.

The 2017 offers up a deep, autumn filled nose with notes of dried cherries, pipe tobacco, asphalt, bonfire and Christmas spices. Very, very good.

The taste is tight and seedy with lots of licorice and herbs infused cherry fruit, Langhe earth, tobacco and sweet tannins. 4+ years.

91p   (tasted 2023/04)

2021 Cinsault Blanc, Rall

2021 Cinsault Blanc, Rall

A very rare grape, a white mutation of Cinsault according to Jancis Robinson in her Wine Grapes: "South Africa was also home of two colour mutations of Cinsaut: one with grey berries and one with white berries but these have seem to have disappeared and have been deleted from the official variety designations". Still, here am I, drinking this Cinsault Blanc.

The nose is light and delicate with notes of white flowers, galia melon, birch leaves and granite. Very nice.

The taste is sandy and dry with a fine acidity and notes of dry peach, lemon and gravel. Only 11,5%, you could easily gulp down a bottle of this on your own. Oops, I seem to have done that...

88p   (tasted 2023/04)

2017 Barolo Del Commune di La Morra, Brandini

2017 Barolo Del Commune di La Morra, Brandini

To my recollection I have never tasted anything from this producer. The nose is high and rather elegant with notes of flowers, strawberries, dry licorice and earth. Very, very good.

The taste is cool and seedy with notes of dried strawberries, Lange earth, licorice and sand. A medium long finish which ends on a slight bitter note. 5+ years.

88p   (tasted 2023/03)

New Years Eve

Due to sickness New Years Eve´s celebration was cancelled, but in the spirit of not wasting a chance to meet good friends and eat and drink well, we celebrated New Years Eve on the 25th of March...

1967 Deidesheimer Diedel Riesling Spätlese, Reichrat von Buhl

A deep, lovingly mature, rich nose with notes of dried apricots, birch leaves, dried strawberries, rubber boots, grass and a petrol station. Very complex. 

The taste is very elegant, racy and perfectly mature with notes of diesel oil, dried apricots, chalk and grass. Ends with a semi dry touch. I would have a guessed a mature Auslese. Great wine.

93p   (tasted 2023/03)

2008 Corton Charlemagne, Bonneau de Martray

A very deep and refined nose with notes of almond paste, nuts, yellow flowers and boatloads of ripe lemons. Very fine.

The taste is racy and concentrated with notes of candied lemons, chive, chalk and dry fudge. Very long. Still young, 6+ years.

94p   (tasted 2023/05)

2010 Chablis Grand Cru Les Preuses, William Fevre

Feels like a 2 year old wine. The nose is backward and structured with notes of chrushed rocks, lemon peel, steel, smoke and oil cloth. Very composed.

The taste is high, pure and intense with a searing acidity, a stern concentration and a long distinct finish. When will this be ready, 15+ years? Impressive.

93p   (tasted 2023/05)

2020 Puligny-Montrachet La Brelance, Domaine Barolet-Pernot

A new acquaintance for me and a very good one at that. The nose is spicy and fine with notes of grey pears, ripe flowers, vanilla fudge and lemon cream. Open and fine.

The taste is tighter than the nose leads you to believe with notes of lemon peel, dried flowers, gravel and warm grass. A very long finish with a cleansing acidity. 6+ years.

94p   (tasted 2023/05)

2008 Mazis-Chambertin, Faiveley

A very deep, animal scented nose with notes of wild raspberries, smoke, forest floor and Christmas spices. Just lovely.

The taste is racy and refined with notes of dried strawberries, herbs, earth and smoke. A very fine acidity and a very fine mouthfeel. Great wine. 6+ years.

96p   (tasted 2023/05)

2001 Barolo Acclivi, Burlotto

A nice, mature nose with notes of chrushed cherries, violets, licorice and Langhe earth. Very, very good but a tad muted, not the ususal Burlotto lift.

The taste is dry and fine with notes of dried cherries, earth, rosehips and dry licorice. Long and fine. This seems fully mature.

90p   (tasted 2023/05)

2013 Barolo Acclivi, Burlotto

Best on day two. The nose, after a couple of hours in the decanter, shows notes of red cherries, incense, rosehips, violets and a touch of cigarette smoke. Very fine.

The taste is tight and fine with silky tannins and lovely notes of ripe cherries, iron, herbs and rosehips. A gorgeous perfumed note. Long and refined. Needs 7+ years.

94p   (tasted 2023/05)

2006 Barolo Brunate, Marcarini

A cool, somewhat mature nose with notes of tobacco, dried cherries, cinnamon and mushrooms. Very, very good.

The taste shows a fine concentration, some maturity and notes of dried mushrooms, cherries, rosehips and cold coffee. Still some rugged tannins in the finish. 4+ years.

92p   (tasted 2023/05)

2007 Giusto di Notri, Tua Rita

A large scaled, deep, dark nose with notes of dark chocolate, ripe blueberries and black currants, cigar smoke and asphalt. Very fine in a big, brawny way.

The taste is still tight and concentrated with rich, black fruit, polished tannins and a minute long finish. A fine intensity. Great wine. 

95p   (tasted 2023/05)

2017 El Chibirique, Suertes del Marques

100% Listan Negro from 80+ years ungrafted vines - a first from me. This Tenerife wine displays a high, willful nose with notes of rubber, assorted red fruits, glue and lots of minerals. Interesting but not really up my alley.

The taste is better with nice red fruit, chrushed rocks and silky tannins. A fine mouthfeel to it. But overall a tad foursquare. 

87p   (tasted 2023/05)

2021 Dolcetto d´Alba Vigna Melera, Roccheviberti

2021 Dolcetto d´Alba Vigna Melera, Roccheviberti

A ripe, forward nose with fine notes of spices, blueberries, red currants, iron and fir wood. Very open and yummy.

The taste is young and tight with notes of ripe blueberries, iron, damsons, fresh herbs and fine peppery note. Notes of 2018 and 2020 Vigna Melera in the links below.

90p   (tasted 2023/03)

Barolista: A Couple Of Days in Piedmont - Visits To Roccheviberti & Monchiero

Barolista: The Barolo Boys In Piedmont - Visit To Roccheviberti

An Evening With Some Fine Bottles

Some fine bottles poured by M on a regular Wednesday. Tasted double blind.

2019 Falstaff Vineyard Pinot Noir, Kutch

A fine, earthy nose with notes of ripe raspberries, fresh flowers and forest floor. A fine sweetness to the fruit.

The taste is medium bodied and fresh with notes of smoke, raspberries and earth. A fine warmth. Juicy and fine. 

91p   (tasted 2023/03)

2020 Bernabeleva Garnacha De Viña Bonita, San Martin de Valdelgesais

A medium deep, sandy nose with notes of dried flowers, rosehips, granite and red currants. Very good in a backward style.

The taste is cool and seedy with nice red fruit, silky tannins and a balanced finish. A tad narrow on the palate. 6+ years.

88p   (tasted 2023/03)

2020 Etna Rosso Calderara Sottana, Tenuta Delle Terre Nere

A fine depth with notes of ripening raspberries, leather, ted tea and hints of tobacco. Very fine.

The taste is young and tight with cool red fruit, a very fine acidity and lots of nerve and finesse. Lovely. 5+ years.

93p   (tasted 2023/03)

1990 Barolo Ginestra Vigna Casa Maté, Elio Grasso

A beauty. Open for business with fine mature notes in the shape of dried strawberries, iron, mushrooms, gravel and Langhe earth. Very deep and fine.

The taste is high and still tight with silky tannins, great strawberry fruit, earthy notes and a long, long finish. On top of its game.

94p   (tasted 2023/03)

2001 Châteaneuf-du-Pape V.V., Domaine de la Vieille Julienne

A very deep, rich and refined nose with notes of nougat, ripe flowers, scorched earth and fresh herbs. Very, very fine.

The taste is tight and concentrated with notes of pomegranate, earth, dried flowers, herbs and hints of cocoa. Very long and distinct. This is great stuff. 6+ years.

96p   (tasted 2023/03)

1994 Vintage Port, Croft

1994 Vintage Port, Croft

A very deep, tight and concentrated nose with notes of sweet violets, dark chocolate, fried nuts, Finnish licorice and a wealth of ripe black fruits. Very fine.

The taste is rich and taut with notes of damsons, violets, chocolate covered cherries and summer warm asphalt. Lots of energy. Very, very long. Still young, this needs 15+ years in the cellar.

94p   (tasted 2023/03)

Barolo vs Barbaresco - 1990, 2001 & 2010

I poured these wines at our latest tasting in our monthly tasting group.

1990 Barolo, Giacomo Ascheri

A wide open, perfectly mature nose with notes of roses, assorted dried berries, cool asphalt and forest floor. Very, very good.

The taste is silky and mature with notes of raspberry licorice, Lange earth, paint and dried cherries. Very long with soft tannins. A great drink on this day.

90p   (tasted 2023/03)

1990 Barbaresco, Produttori di Barbaresco

A broad, warm nose with notes of canned mushrooms, dry tobacco, linoleum and old paint. A tad over the hill. I have had better bottles.

The taste is better with a dried up warmth and notes of dried raspberries, tobacco, cold coffe and still some juicy tannins in the finish.

86p   (tasted 2023/03)

2001 Barbaresco Currá, Sottimano

A finely tuned, intense, somewhat mature nose with notes of ripe red cherries and strawberries, coffee powder, rosehips and a touch of mint. Very fine.

The taste is gorgeous, with stunning notes of dried strawberries, dried flowers, licorice and rosehips. A very fine tannin support, indicating that this still have places to go. 4+ years.

93p   (tasted 2023/03)

2001 Barolo, Elio Altare

The wines were tasted double blind and this was the winner in the vote for WOTN. The nose is deep, creamy and rich with notes of cherry chocolate, rosehips, forest floor and dried flowers. Very fine.

The taste is still young with silky tannins, perky sweet fruit and a finish that goes on for a minute. Very handsome and rewarding. 6+ years.

94p   (tasted 2023/03)

2010 Barolo Riserva Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe, Cavallotto

A beauty. Very cool, very elegant and very young, the nose displays notes of hard cherry candy, paint, Langhe earth, coffee powder and fresh mushrooms. Very, very fine.

The taste is tight and focused with brilliant, high fruit, polished tannins and a intense, multi layered finish. Crisp. Great wine. Needs time though, 8+ years.

96p   (tasted 2023/03)

2010 Barbaresco Riserva Sorí Paitin Vecchie Vigne, Paitin

A refined, very deep, very young nose that needed serious time in the glass before opening up (better on day two). Notes of chrushed black cherries, red apples, dry asphalt, violets and diesel oil. Very complex.

The taste is very tight, luxurious and at times forceful yet with grace and refinement - this is the proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove. The finish goes on and on and on. Stunning. 10+ years.

96p   (tasted 2023/03)

2019 Barolo Albe, G. D. Vajra

2019 Barolo Albe, G. D. Vajra

A fine, open nose with notes of rosehips, red cherries, paint, chrushed rocks and licorice. Very nice in a lighter style.

The taste is medium bodied and delicate with gentle tannins and notes of red cherries, rsoehips, licorice and a touch of tobacco. Probably the best Albe I have tasted. 4+ years.

90p   (tasted 2023/03)

2019 Baroli - so far 103 wines tasted... (Barolista: The Barolo Boys At Grandi Langhe 2023)

97-98p

2019 Barolo Mosconi, E. Pira

2019 Barolo Vignarionda, Luigi Pira

95-96p

2019 Barolo Brunate, Francesco Rinaldi

2019 Barolo Cannubi, Francesco Rinaldi

2019 Barolo Cannubi, Einaudi

2019 Barolo Cerretta, Schiavenza

2019 Barolo Cannubi, E. Pira

2019 Barolo Via Nuova, E. Pira

2019 Barolo Bricco San Pietro, Sòt

2019 Barolo Bussia Vigna Pianpolvere, Chionetti

2019 Barolo Margheria, Luigi Pira

2019 Barolo Marenca, Luigi Pira

2019 Barolo Bricco Delle Viole, Marengo

2019 Barolo Brunate, Marengo

93-94p

2019 Barolo Rocche dell´Annunziata, Rocche Costamagna

2019 Barolo Rocche dell´Annunziata, Francesco Rinaldi

2019 Barolo Bussia Vigna Dei Fantini, Silvano Bolmida

2019 Barolo Cannubi, Serio & Battista Borgogno

2019 Barolo Cerretta, Giovanni Rosso

2019 Barolo Monvigliero, Einaudi

2019 Barolo Bussia, Einaudi

2019 Barolo Broglio, Schiavenza

2019 Barolo Arborina, Marco Curto

2019 Barolo Cannubi, Arnaldo Rivera

2019 Barolo Brunate, Marcarini

2019 Barolo Prapo, Luigi Vico

2019 Barolo Prapo, Ettore Germano

2019 Barolo Cerretta, Ettore Germano

2019 Barolo Giachini, Carlo Revello

2019 Barolo Ornato, Palladino

2019 Barolo Cannubi, Réva

2019 Barolo Serradenari, Ratti

2019 Barolo Monvigliero, Diego Morra

2019 Barolo Pajana, Domenico Clerico

2019 Barolo Ciabot Mentin, Domenico Clerico

2019 Barolo Aeroplan Servaj, Domenico Clerico

2019 Barolo Villero, Oddero

2019 Barolo Cerretta, Fratelli Revello

2019 Barolo Sorano, Claudio Alario

2019 Barolo Badarini, Bruna Grimaldi

2019 Barolo Castelletto, Raineri

2019 Barolo Sotto Castello di Novello, Giacomo Grimaldi

91-92p

2019 Barolo San Giacomo, Stroppiana

2019 Barolo Del Commune di La Morra, Crissante Alessandria

2019 Barolo Giachini, Giovanno Corino

2019 Barolo Albarella, Serio & Battista Borgogno

2019 Barolo Giovanni Rosso

2019 Barolo Del Commune di Serralunga, Schiavenza

2019 Barolo Villero, Arnaldo Rivera

2019 Barolo La Serra, Marcarini

2019 Barolo Del Commune di Serralunga, Luigi Vico

2019 Barolo, Carlo Revello

2019 Barolo Boiolo, Carlo Revello

2019 Barolo Del Commune di Serralunga, Palladino

2019 Barolo Parafada, Palladino

2019 Barolo Castelletto, Forte Masso

2019 Barolo, Oddero

2019 Barolo Gattera, Fratelli Revello

2019 Barolo Conca, Fratelli Revello

2019 Barolo Riva Rocche, Claudio Alario

2019 Barolo Roncaglie, Chionetti

2019 Barolo Camilla, Bruna Grimaldi

2019 Barolo Bricco Ambrogio, Bruna Grimaldi

2019 Barolo Perno, Raineri

2019 Barolo Parusso, Bovio

2019 Barolo, Marrone

2019 Barolo Bussia, Marrone

2019 Barolo Del Commune di Serralunga, Luigi Pira

2019 Barolo, Marengo

2019 Barolo, Giacomo Grimaldi

89-90p

2019 Barolo, Rocche Costamagna

2019 Barolo, Serio & Battista Borgogno

2019 Barolo, Einaudi

2019 Barolo Perno, Schiavenza

2019 Barolo LaFoia, Marco Curto

2019 Barolo Ravera, Arnaldo Rivera

2019 Barolo Bussia, Arnaldo Rivera

2019 Barolo, Marcarini

2019 Barolo Del Commune di Serralunga, Ettore Germano

2019 Barolo, Réva

2019 Barolo Marcenasco, Ratti

2019 Barolo, Diego Morra

2019 Barolo San Lorenzo Di Verduno, Diego Morra

2019 Barolo, Domenico Clerico

2019 Barolo Del Commune di Monforte d´Alba, Sòt

2018 Barolo, Tenuta Cucco

2019 Barolo, Raineri

2019 Barolo Arborina, Bovio

2019 Barolo Pichemej, Marrone

2019 Barolo Albe, G. D. Vajra

87-88p

2019 Barolo Leonardo, Stroppiana

2019 Barolo Undicci, Arnaldo Rivera

2019 Barolo Rocche dell´Annunziata, Arnaldo Rivera

2019 Barolo Pietrin, Franco Conterno

2019 Barolo, Fratelli Revello

2019 Barolo, Bovio

2019 Barolo, Gianfranco Alessandria

2019 Barolo San Giovanni, Gianfranco Alessandria

2019 Barolo Rocche dell´Annunziata, Aurelio Settimo

85-86p

2019 Barolo Perarmando, Parusso

2019 Barolo Monrobiolo di Bussia, Fratelli Barale

2019 Barolo Castelletto, Fratelli Barale

Below 85p

2019 Barolo, Aurelio Settimo

2006 Nadal, Domaine de Fondreche

2006 Nadal, Domaine de Fondrèche

I have tasted several vintages of the different cuvées from Domaine de Fondrèche - https://barolista.blogspot.com/2013/10/drinking-tonight-2011-fayard-nadal.html

- but I have never tasted anything from the 2006 vintage.

The nose is low key with some peppery notes and scents of dried meat, bacon grease, paint and green bell peppers. Very good.

The taste is better than the nose with great Syrah fruit in the shape of sausages, cool blackberries, paint and smoke. Long and fine. Fully mature.

89p   (tasted 2023/23)

Visits To Marengo & Luigi Pira

No visit to Piedmont is complete until visits are made to Marengo and Luigi Pira. 

Disclaimer - the importer of Marengo and Luigi Pira to Sweden (Origo Wines) are friends of mine and co founders of the illustrious Barolo Boys. I however have no financial interests in these wines, I just call them as I see them.

Luigi Pira

2022 Dolcetto d´Alba

A stony, iron filled, salivating nose with notes of damsons, cool bluberries and violets.

The taste is young and energetic with silky tannins and notes of damsons, violets and gravel. Very, very good.

88p   (tasted 2023/01)

2021 Barbera d´Alba Superiore

A deep, earthy, somewhat meaty nose with notes of dried raspberries, smoke and licorice.

The taste is big and fruity with a fine acidity and notes of dried raspberries, warm sand and herbs. Tight and good.

88p   (tasted 2023/01)

2021 Langhe Nebbiolo

A very fine LB. The nose is open and juicy with notes of cherries, forest floor, smoke and minerals.

The taste is tight and refined with notes of hard cherry candy, asphalt and rosehips. A very fine structure.

91p   (tasted 2023/01)

2019 Barolo Del Commune di Serralunga

A pure, fine nose with notes of ripe black cherries, asphalt, chrushed rocks and violets. Very fine.

The taste is taut, yet silky and fine with polished tannins and a great cherry fruit paired with notes of damsons, asphalt and cherry licorice. 6+ years.

92p   (tasted 2023/01)

2019 Barolo Margheria

A very handsome, racy nose with notes of ripe flowers, smoke, a hint of tobacco and a wonderful mix of raspberries and cherries. Very deep. Lovely.

The taste is cool and collected with sandy tannins and brilliant cherry fruit. A long, long, velvety finish where the tannins lurk in the background. 7+ years.

95p   (tasted 2023/01)

2019 Barolo Marenca

The Marenca is always tougher than the Margheria, so also in the 2019 versions. But equally great, although I usually prefer Margheria in their youth. The nose is very deep and taut with notes of iron, black cherries, hard cherry candy and a ever so slight hint of mint. Again, lovely.

The taste is very tight and focused with notes of black cherries, sweet minerals, iron and dark violets. A minute long finish. 10+ years.

95p   (tasted 2023/01)

2019 Barolo Vigna Rionda

As always, a masterpiece. The nose is bottomless deep with a extraordinary purity and balance. Gorgeous notes of violets, hard cherry candy, iron and menthol. Very handsome.

The taste is expressive, pure and racy with everything except (of course) maturity in place. Another stunner from Gianpaolo. 12+ years.

98p   (tasted 2023/01)

Marengo

Lunch at Marengo´s, life is good! We brought some leftovers from our visit to Osteria Veglio the night before - Barolista: Food & Wine In Piedmont and Jenny and Marco put some yummy food on the table and two great bottles.

2013 Barolo Brunate

A very fine, deep nose with notes of forest floor, licorice, tobacco and a wealth of juicy cherries. Very fine.

The taste is still young with a focus on silky tannins and hard cherry candy. Notes of licorice, earth and tobacco in the finish. 6+ years.

93p   (tasted 2023/01)

2007 Dolcetto d´Alba

We got to talk about Dolcetto and Marco fetched this bottle from the cellar. We weren´t close guessing its age...

The nose is spicy and perky with notes of dried blueberries, earth and iron. A cool finish. 15 years old and could still develop, impressive.

88p   (tasted 2023/01)

Later the same day we went to Marengo´s winery and tasted the wines below.

2022 Dolcetto d´Alba

A open, juciy nose with notes of damsons, blueberries, cool licorice and gravel. Very nice.

The taste is young and tight with a fine blueberry fruit, lots of violets and silky tannins.

87p   (tasted 2023/01)

2021 Barbera d´Alba Vigna Pugnane

A deep, fine nose with notes of salt licorice, earth and ripe raspberries. A fine warmth.

The taste is open and fruity with notes of raspberry licorice, herbs and earth. A fine acidity. Long and very, very good.

90p   (tasted 2023/01)

2021 Langhe Nebbiolo

A cool, handsome nose with notes of red cherries, ripe tomatoes, rosehips and asphalt. Elegant.

The taste is laid back and stony with notes of cherries, dried flowers and asphalt. 

88p   (tasted 2023/01)

2021 Nebbiolo d´Alba Vigna Valmaggiore

A very deep, focused nose with notes of ripe cherries, smoke, rosehips and Langhe earth. Very fine.

The taste is tight and nicely structured with silky tannins, a lovely cherry fruit and a long, long taut finish. 6+ years.

92p   (tasted 2023/01)

2019 Barolo

A laid back, refined nose with notes of fresh herbs, raspberries, ripe flowers and a fine perfumed scent.

The taste is cool and structured with notes of wild raspberries, asphalt, earth and dried flowers. Very fine tannins. Excellent. 6+ years.

92p   (tasted 2023/01)

2019 Barolo Bricco Delle Viole

A lovely, high and intense nose with notes of violets (!), ripe red cherries, mahogany and warm sand. Very fine.

The taste is distinct and racy with notes of ripe red cherries, dried flowers, violets and dry licorice. 8+ years.

95p   (tasted 2023/01)

2019 Barolo Brunate

A dery deep, tight nose with notes of black olives, herbs, asphalt and a wealth of black cherries. Very refined.

The taste is taut and complex with broadshouldered tannins, boatloads of black cherries and additional notes of rosehips, licorice and Langhe earth. 10+ years.

95p   (tasted 2023/01)

2017 Barolo Riserva Brunate

A deep, energetic nose with notes of ripe cherries, paint, tobacco, earth and dried flowers. A very fine warmth. Gorgeous.

The taste is restrained and refined with notes of dried cherries, tobacco, forest floor and rosehips. Very, very long. Very, very fine. 8+ years.

96p   (tasted 2023/01)