`The 2016 Barbaresco Asili is a fine choice for drinking now and over the next few years. Crushed flowers, worn-in leather, spice, tobacco, cedar, orange peel and sweet dried cherries open in the bouquet. Aromatic and medium in body, the 2016 is open-knit, expressive and peaking. Soft, resolved tannins support the refined close.` 93 Points Antonio Galloni
`The 2008 Barbaresco Crichët Pajé is another stellar wine from Luca Roagna. Dark and mysterious, this possesses magnificent balance from start to finish. The silkiness and polish of the tannins impress more than anything else. What a stunner.` 98 Poins Antonio Galloni
The Rocca family, whose fruit once went to Gaja, began bottling its own wine in the 1970s; Marco makes the wine and Ivan manages 14 organic hectares, all in Barbaresco. Montestefano is a steep, south-facing slope of sandy-veined blue limestone marl, called the most Baroloesque of the Barbarescos." Patient, traditional winemaking. Vinous called the 2021 "a towering beauty.
The Rocca family, whose fruit once went to Gaja, began bottling its own wine in the 1970s; Marco makes the wine and Ivan manages 14 organic hectares, all in Barbaresco. Montestefano is a steep, south-facing slope of sandy-veined blue limestone marl, called the most Baroloesque of the Barbarescos." Patient, traditional winemaking. Vinous called the 2021 "a towering beauty.
Barbaresco Montestefano Vigna Bric Mentina La Ca`Nova
The Rocca family, whose fruit once went to Gaja, began bottling its own wine in the 1970s; Marco makes the wine and Ivan manages 14 organic hectares. Bric Mentina is their own south to south-east facing plot in Montefico, at nearly 300 metres on sandier soils, giving rich, structured wines. Vinous and Kerin O`Keefe both scored the 2022 93 points.
Barbaresco Riserva Asili Bruno Giacosa (Red Label)
The utterly perfect, dense ruby/purple-colored 1996 Barbaresco Asili (Red Label Riserva) is a heroic offering brilliantly displaying both power and elegance. The bouquet develops incrementally, offering up aromas of black raspberries, cherries, cigar box, licorice, and leather. The wine impresses with its nuances as well as its extraordinarily rich, dense mid-palate, and a finish that lasts nearly a minute. There is huge tannin, but equally massive concentration, extract, and overall harmony. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2025." 98 Points, Robert Parker."
Barbaresco Riserva Asili Bruno Giacosa (Red Label)
`The 2004 Barbaresco Riserva Asili is even more compelling than the Rabaja. It floats on the palate with an ethereal core of sweet fruit that calls to mind a profound Musigny, but with the unmistakable structure of Nebbiolo. The perfumed purity of the fruit carries all the way through to the deeply satisfying, resonating finish. Made in a soft, seductive style, this remarkable wine is decidedly more approachable and easy to appreciate today than the Rabaja. Giacosa fans will have a great time discussing the merits of the Rabaja and the Asili in 2004, but to me they are virtually equally moving; Asili for its feminine gracefulness and Rabaja for its size and power. The Asili should prove more accessible at an earlier age. Bruno Giacosa says his 2004 Asili Riserva will turn out to be just like his 2000 Asili Riserva, the wine he still thinks is the best he`s ever made. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025.` 98 Points Antonio Galloni
Stefano Porro`s first vintage was 2021 and now he is making only about 250 cases split between Barbera and Nebbiolo. Despite the lowly price, nothing is spared at ths micro-operation. All work in the vineyards in manual, organic mature is ploughed and yields are small. Elevage occurs in 350L tonneaux for 7 months and the aim is to produce a wine of elegance and approachability.
The Burlotto family has made wine in Verduno since the mid-19th century. Verduno sits at Barolo`s northern edge, and its wines are known for their perfume and finesse.
`Showing a light ruby shine that radiates from the glass, the Bartolo Mascarello 2017 Barolo proves once again that elegance can be achieved, despite the many challenges of an extreme vintage, when worked by the right hands. In this case, the hands are those of Bartolo`s daughter, the legendary Maria Teresa Mascarello. This celebrated Barolo boasts a silky sheen and glossy character that transcends bouquet and mouthfeel. Wild cherry, lilac, iron ore and candied orange peel are revealed softly on the bouquet. The wine takes a few minutes to open before all those pretty little details come into view. Acidity is an important component of this graceful Barolo, as it ties together the fruit and heightens that sense of electricity and liveliness. This is a collectors` bottle to keep safely in your cellar.` 96 Points Monica Larner
`The 1998 Bartolo Mascarello Barolo is a superb example of the vintage that is still needs a few years of cellaring, but will deliver lovely drinking for at least few decades once it reaches its apogee. The bouquet is deep, very complex and classy, as it offers up scents of black cherries, game, camphor, fresh herb tones, incipient sous bois, black tea and woodsmoke in the upper register. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, deep and youthfully complex, with fine mid-palate depth, still a fair bit of ripe, well-integrated tannin, and lovely length and grip on the tangy, tarry and classic finish.` 93 Points, John Gilman.
`From the moment we put together this tasting, I knew the 2010 Barolo had to be in the lineup because of its historical significance. It is arguably the greatest wine ever made here. Although naturally very young, the 2010 is super-expressive and also one of the clear highlights of the evening. All the elements simply fall into place. The interplay of aromatics, fruit and structure is utterly captivating. In many ways, the 2010 represents a culmination of all the work Maria Teresa Mascarello and her team have done over the last two decades to elevate quality. The gentleman to my left tells me I made a mistake in my initial review and score of the 2010. I agree.`100 Points, Antonio Galloni
Bartolo Mascarello, who died in 2005, was Barolo`s most outspoken traditionalist. His daughter Maria Teresa continues the single blended Barolo, made from several crus and aged in large old casks.
`Multifaceted aromas of rose, iris, leather, cranberry, truffle and the barest hint of game lead the nose. The radiant palate offers creamy strawberry, ripe red cherry, orange zest, baking spice, dried herb and tobacco alongside firm but polished tannins. Fresh acidity provides balance while a mineral vein energizes the finish. With its smooth texture, it`s already tempting but hold for even more complexity. Drink 2018–2026.` Kerin O`Keefe
`Rinaldi’s 2013 Barolo Brunate is dark, sensual and super-inviting. A wine of restraint, the 2013 is endowed with terrific depth and tons of personality. At the same time, the 2013 is not an explosive wine (like the 2010), but rather a Barolo that speaks to total finesse. Dark cherry, plum, lavender, menthol, violet and hard candy inflections give the 2013 much of its exceptional beauty and resonance. The wine’s sheer inner sweetness makes it nearly impossible to put down the glass.` 97 Points Antonio Galloni
`The 2016 Barolo Bussia Cascina Dardi is a terrific wine from brothers Alessandro and Gian Natale Fantino. Wonderfully deep, layered and nuanced, the 2016 has so much going on. As always, there is something incredibly personal about these wines. The 2016 is not a perfect wine (there is some volatile acidity), but it is beguiling and compelling in every way. Menthol, spice, dried herbs and a whole range of balsamic-infused notes wrap around a core of dark fruit as this mysterious, enthralling Barolo gradually shows off its considerable charms.` 93 Points Antonio Galloni
Piero Benevelli planted his first five hectares in Monforte d`Alba in 1978; his son Massimo now makes the wine. Le Coste comes from south-southeast-facing plots in the steep Le Coste amphitheatre, on iron-rich clay marl, with a long, traditional maceration and ageing in large casks. Antonio Galloni gave the 2016 95 points: gorgeous.
Piero Benevelli planted his first five hectares in Monforte d`Alba in 1978; his son Massimo now makes the wine. Le Coste comes from south-southeast-facing plots in the steep Le Coste amphitheatre, on iron-rich clay marl, with a long, traditional maceration and ageing in large casks. Antonio Galloni gave the 2017 94 points and counts Massimo among Piedmont`s up-and-coming stars.
A blend of vineyards in the style of Bartollo Mascarello comes together in this micro-cuvee. Having worked with Maria Teresa, Alan Manley works sites in Monforte, Faletto, Barolo and Serrulunga. One of the most exciting new sources in the region. Only just over 120 cases produced.
Massolino, a family estate in Serralunga d`Alba since the late 19th century, farms several top Barolo crus. Serralunga wines are the region`s most structured, firm and long-lived.
`The 2014 Barolo Monvigliero is quite refined and gracious, although it is also surprisingly dark, dense and concentrated by this wine`s standards. A shy, reticent wine, the 2014 is going to need time in bottle to flesh out, especially in the midpalate. I have seen this with other vintages, and expect that it will be the case here as well. The precision, clarity and silkiness that are so typical of Monvigliero start to emerge as the wine opens up in the glass. Readers should plan on being patient. If that is not possible, try to taste the 2014 as soon as possible, because these wines have a tendency to shut down hard post-bottling. As always, Monvigliero is fermented with 100% whole clusters. (Drink between 2022-2044)` 95 Points Antonio Galloni.
The Burlotto family has made wine in Verduno since the mid-19th century. This comes from one of Barolo`s most perfumed crus, a hillside at the village of Verduno.
`The 2013 is a distinctly cool, savory Barolo Rupestris with dark tonalities of fruit and striking textural depth, but also a bit more reserve than is usually the case. Precision, nuance and detail are among the many signatures in this gorgeous, compelling Barolo. A closing burst of perfume adds intrigue, but the 2013 is a wine of reserve that needs time to be at its very best.` NR Antonio Galloni
Barolo Otto Fiorin Pie Rupestris Cappellano (Magnum)
`The 2011 Barolo Otin Fiorin Pie Rupestris-Nebioli is a gorgeous wine. Sweet, perfumed and inviting, the 2011 is going to need time to shed some baby fat. The elevated ripeness and alcohol of the year are both quite evident, and yet there is a certain raw magnetism to the 2011 that is quite appealing. I expect the 2011 will open up earlier than many recent vintages, but I would still give it time at the very least to recover from its recent bottling. As always, Cappellano prefers that scores for his wines not be published. I consider 2011 an intermediary vintage here, as it is pretty much everywhere.` NR Antonio Galloni
Barolo Otto Fiorin Pie Rupestris Cappellano (Magnum)
`The 2013 is a distinctly cool, savory Barolo Rupestris with dark tonalities of fruit and striking textural depth, but also a bit more reserve than is usually the case. Precision, nuance and detail are among the many signatures in this gorgeous, compelling Barolo. A closing burst of perfume adds intrigue, but the 2013 is a wine of reserve that needs time to be at its very best.` NR Antonio Galloni
A Barolo from La Morra, home of the Annunziata hills. John Gilman scored the estate`s 2016 Rocche dell`Annunziata cru 94 points and judged this standard Barolo very close" in ultimate quality."
The late Giacosa`s red-label Riserva, bottled only in exceptional vintages, from the Falletto vineyard in Serralunga d`Alba, bought in 1982. Traditional Nebbiolo winemaking: long macerations, large casks. Antonio Galloni gave the 1990 98 points, calling it one of Bruno Giacosa`s most towering wines.
`Bruno Giacosa’s 1996 Barolo Riserva Falletto more than lives up to its lofty reputation. The wine needs time in the decanter for some initial VA funk to blow off, but when it does, what emerges is a Barolo of utterly captivating beauty. Bruno Giacosa’s finest wines are defined by haunting inner sweetness and extraordinary perfume. The 1996 has all that, and so much more, starting with a full vibrant red color and tons of intensity. Time has mellowed the tannins to some degree, but my sense is that the 1996 will always remain somewhat brutish in feel. Even so, there is no denying its beauty. Readers lucky enough to own the 1996 should be ecstatic. It is one of the world’s truly great, great wines. Drinking window: 2017-2037.` 98 Points, Antonio Galloni
Barolo Riserva Le Rocche de Falletto Bruno Giacosa
`The 2001 vintage in Piedmont has long been a favorite of mine. Bruno Giacosa’s 2001 Barolo Riserva Le Rocche del Falletto is explosive and decadently rich from the very first taste. The 2001 is arguably the last truly classic vintage for the Rocche Red Label. To be sure, the 2004, 2005 and 2007 are all compelling, but the 2001 has more in common stylistically with vintages like 1996 and 1999. Dense, perfumed and wonderfully intense, the 2001 is phenomenally great. Wow.` 98 Points Antonio Galloni
Barolo Riserva Le Rocche de Falletto Bruno Giacosa (Red Label)
`What a crowd-pleaser at the lunch. The French journalists were amazed by this Barolo, and kept saying how it was very Burgundian. It’s certainly a crazy wine with aromas of dried fruits, flowers, nuts and tea. Then it changes in the glass to spices and berries. Phenomenal. Goes on for minutes. Served in magnums. Drink or hold.` 100 Points, James Suckling
Barolo Riserva Le Rocche del Falletto di Serralunga d`Alba
`The 2001 vintage in Piedmont has long been a favorite of mine. Bruno Giacosa’s 2001 Barolo Riserva Le Rocche del Falletto is explosive and decadently rich from the very first taste. The 2001 is arguably the last truly classic vintage for the Rocche Red Label. To be sure, the 2004, 2005 and 2007 are all compelling, but the 2001 has more in common stylistically with vintages like 1996 and 1999. Dense, perfumed and wonderfully intense, the 2001 is phenomenally great. Wow.` 98 Points Antonio Galloni
Barolo Riserva Monprivato Giuseppe E Figlio Mascarello Barolo Ca d`Morissio Riserva
Giuseppe Mascarello`s Riserva comes from his family`s celebrated Castiglione Falletto vineyard, one of Barolo`s great crus, in old vines selected for the Riserva.
No Riserva was made in 2014, so this took the best fruit from the Disa vines nearest the house. `Elio Sandri`s 2014 Barolo Perno Vigna Disa is gorgeous. It is also the only wine Sandri bottled in 2014, so all of the best fruit is in this bottling. Dark cherry, leather, smoke, savory herbs, licorice and dried flowers give the 2014 much of its complexity and overall nuance. Readers should expect a powerful, savory Barolo with quite a bit of both nuance and character, but less in the way of primary fruit.` 93 Points Antonio Galloni
`Kirsch, cherry and floral aromas and flavors kick off, augmented by eucalyptus, tar, tobacco and mineral notes. Tightly wound, this is more expressive than austere, with fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity driving the long finish. This should be superb in about 10 years. Best from 2023 through 2045.` 96 Points Bruce Sanderson
`The 2016 Carema Riserva is another knock-out effort from the Produttori di Carema, the local cooperative that has really been on fire these last few vintages. Open-knit and inviting, but with all the complexity that is so typical of the appellation, the 2016 is superb. Crushed flowers, mint, sweet tobacco, cedar and licorice are all woven together in a super-expressive Carema that offers tons of complexity in a relatively accessible style for a young wine from the appellation. The Riserva is a selection of the best casks in the cellar, with the wine aged for an added year in cask, so three years’ in neutral oak in total. That extra year in oak vis-à-vis the Classico does take with it some of the fruit while emphasizing more savory and mineral qualities. Power and finesse come together so well in this textbook Carema.` Score: 95 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com
Masi is a Valpolicella house that has been in the Boscaini family since the 18th century. Recioto della Amarone is made from dried grapes, Corvina-led, from the 1993 vintage.
`Interestingly, the 2011 Disobedient is a bit fresher than the 2010 tasted alongside it. Of course, the 2011 is in barrel, while the 2010 has been bottled recently (and may be recovering from bottle shock), but today, the 2011 has a slight edge over the 2010. Ample, layered and voluptuous on the palate, the 2011 is simply gorgeous today. Ripe, silky tannins wrap around a core of deeply spiced notes, menthol, sage, licorice and dark fruit. The creamy, enveloping finish only adds to the wine`s considerable appeal. My impression today is that the 2011 will reward readers with a long and broad window of pure drinking pleasure. This is a fabulous showing`. 93-95 Pts Antonio Galloni
