Cappellano Barolo Piè Rupestris Otin Fiorin 2011
Served blind at a recent lunch in Vancouver with fellow Cascadia Fine Wines colleagues, JoJo captured the tone of this outstanding Barolo when he described the 2011s as “charming” wines. Charming, indeed. A deliciously perfumed nose of rose petals, aged leather, fresh pie cherries, dried mint and spice. It’s nimble on the palate, gossamer and […]
Gaja Barbaresco 2012
Sampled at a trade tasting, the distributor told me that in the 2012 vintage the winery did not bottle their single-vineyard Barbaresco wines, rather this is a blend of all three sites. It’s elegant as Gaja wines are wont to be, with caressing notes of tart pie cherries, red forest berries, lilting spice and feminine […]
Francesco Rinaldi Barolo Le Brunate 2006
Still in its infancy, the 2006 Rinaldi Barolo Le Brunate is stunning and impeccable even at this stage, though it is advisable to decant should you be tempted to open it sooner rather than later. Soaring notes of juicy black plum and black cherry enclosed in freshly picked sweet tobacco and mint. Voluptuous on entry, […]
Elio Grasso Barolo Riserva Rüncot 2007
This legendary Barolo was one of the knock-out wines at our holiday table. The Elio Grasso Riserva Rüncot Barolo 2007 blossoms in the glass with heady, provocative scents of violets, forest underbrush, dusty earth, star anise, incense, and smoke. On the palate, fine, tightly-wound tannins weave in and out of glints of cherries, rose hips […]
Roberto Voerzio Barolo Cerequio 2007
Roberto Voerzio’s Barolo Cerequio 2007 is pure seduction. Perfumed, there is a heady outpouring of rose petals, Madagascar vanilla, black cherries, Italian plum, tar, black tea leaves, and tobacco. The attack is forceful, though not without composure, boasting stunning power and a graceful, masculine energy. Taught, fine-grained tannins, and a structured core signifies long aging […]
Agricola Brandini Langhe Arneis Le Coccinelle 2012
Brandini Le Coccinelle Langhe Bianco 2012 is a new the US market, and is well-worth seeking out. Fragrant, lilting aromas of crisp Asian pear, cherimoya, honeysuckle, and lemon thyme grace this classically-styled Arneis. Aged in stainless steel, it’s medium-to-full bodied, nicely textured, and sports a vibrant acid backbone to offset notes of star fruit, dried […]
Elio Altare Langhe Nebbiolo Vigna Arborina 2009
Here’s a confession: I’ve become something of a fan of Elio Altare, and while opening the Arborina Langhe 2009 is admittedly premature, I’ve at least been able to sample its charms. Inviting notes of earth, forest berries, iced coffee, sweet tobacco and mint make way for a wine that is nicely balanced, with firm, mouth-coating […]
Roagna Le Coste Barolo 2007
Roagna’s Le Coste Barolo 2007 offers poise and finesse, and superb value given the quality of this producer’s wines. Opens with inviting aromas of spiced cherries, strawberries roasted in balsamic, roses, mint, and anise. Translucent towards the outer edges with an orange tinted rim, it’s nicely structured with fine, supple tannins, medium acidity, and a […]