The Barolo / Barbaresco / Nebbiolo thread

[Ian S]

Brezza Barolo 2000
Cork was good condition, after decanting was initially quite shut down, showing basically only acid and balsamic, however after around 3 hours there were shifting secondary characters of caramelised balsamic, coffee and porcini. Some dried rose petals on the nose, yet at this stage essentially no fruit character left. Small licks of tannin did emerge with air.

Wish I had the opportunity to go back in time 4-5 years and open it then.

That does not sound good. In a more structured year (and thus with tannin dominating) there may have been more hope that the tannins were concealing more delicate aromas / flavours, but this sounds too close to a wine that is over-mature. Not good at 17 years old and reminds me a little of the late 1990s Aldo Conterno Barolos which put me completely off the winery - pouring expensive wines down the sink does that for you. I don't blame the vintage, as for me 2000 is in no way comparable to the extreme challenge of 2003, and IME has been managed better than 1997, the previous hot vintage.

[JamieBahrain]

G'day Ian

How do you feel about Aldo Conterno of late ? I was just offered the 2013's and finger was on the trigger….

[Ian S]

Hi Jamie
I don't know. I read positive opinions from others, but after my experience I'm turned off to them. The prices certainly don't allow for a speculative purchase to give them another chance.
regards
Ian

[JamieBahrain]

Roagna Barbaresco Pajé Riserva 1999- Dark coal, tobacco, fresh leather and complex spice. Freshened typically by mint and grassy-herbal notes. Sweet fruited, fully weighted in the start and middle, complex, Burgundian with persistent tannins in austerity dictating its Piedmontese origins.

Not showing evidence of proper storage which suggests well sourced bottles could be in the higher end of ratings. Don't laugh at my pizza. Chef's day off truthfully.

[JamieBahrain]

Opened 3 x 2012's for the week. Consumed over 4 days.


G.B. Burlotto Barolo Acclivi 2012- Superb, very traditonal aromatically, overtones of citrus-orange peel, then appealing, piercing minerals and underbrush, the fruit character is predominantly cherry like, old fashioned and iron-rusty, gripping linear tannins. Over a few day the wine pleasantly tames and more pepper sprinkled violet fruit, with earthy-menthol nuances comes to play on the palate.

Very nice. A blend of the Burlotto Verduno vineyards.

92pts+

Mauro Molino Barolo 2012- Quite the bargain. Ripe- classic tar and roses in cocoa, pleasantly ripened licorice-menthol and red fruits . Floods the front and mid palate with a good volume of ripe fruit, tannins are awkward. Very nice mint chocolate evolution over the days, tempers somewhat, tar and roses still in evidence. More palate complexity with sour cherry and orange rind. Very good.

90pts+

Ceretto Barolo 2012- Fireside Barolo. Warm and inviting red and black fruits, oakey with cloves and vanilla. Great mouth feel and palate spread, the tar and roses exaggerates to strawberries and cream which won't appeal to some. Smokey and crafted. The day one structure is awkward with funneling fruit tannins conflicting with diverging cedar-oak tannin. Over the next few days, maintains its warm appeal with tannin integration a little drying.

90pts+

This trio of 2012's, though acknowledging the bottom of the Barolo range, suggesting and enjoyable, plump fruited vintage maturing a little earlier than the great vintages.

[Ian S]

Hi Jamie
Good to see the Mauro Molino there. We've visited them a couple of times and the new generation handle themselves really professionally, but without losing humour / humanity making for a very amenable tasting. The wines are modernist leaning, but not excessively so IMO. I know some people find the oak a little noticeable when young, but for some reason I don't. We picked some of the 2000 Barolo 'Gancia' a while back from auction and it had aged very well up to that point, would have gone on quite a bit longer, but was drinking so well (2000 vintage effect I suspect - more open but not long-term) we got through it quite quickly.

The brains of the operation was very much taken by the Burlotto Acclivi (IIRC a nod to the old school of producing a proper blend across vineyards, not just an 'offcuts' blend).

Ceretto has yet to excite me, but I know others like them. One of those producers who are fairly regular at the (~ bi-annual) large Decanter London walk-round tastings, so I do have a taste if I go there.

Interesting thoughts on the 2012 vintage, some have slated it, whilst others say it's a nicely balanced, slightly lighter but not long-term vintage. If that latter view is a good generalisation, it's a vintage that should be useful to look for on restaurant lists that have no genuine age on them.

regards
Ian

[Gary W]

I think some of the 2012 will age splendidly, but often very good young too. Have a crack at Burlotto Monvigliero 2012 and Vajra Bricco delle Viole and tell me they are not smoking wines for long term! Regardless, good to have some more approachable vintages, with some of the plumper iterations.

Wish they'd stop using so much wood in Ceretto, but Dave Fletcher (Aussie winemaker), is apparently now pulling that back a bit (or so I hear).

[JamieBahrain]

Yes, I've no doubt there will be many long lived Barolos and I'm buying a few on faith- the ones that will disappear and appreciate if you don't snap up on release such as Conterno & Mascarello.

With the 2013's hitting the market I'll get back to 2012. I think they will be around for a while and it's great to have a vintage that looks far superior to 2009 or 2011 say, yet is going to be easily available.

[Gavin Trott]

Hello

A little message to this group of lovers of Barolo, Barbaresco et al. The 2013 Barolos are all now in a rush to be released. It does look like a very good, to possibly outstanding vintage, and demand looks like it will be quite strong.

"2013 – Regal Classicism

Two thousand thirteen, on the other hand, is shaping up to be an epic vintage of classic proportions and superb pedigree. The growing season was much more stable than 2012, but it is the last month of the year, a perfect September with warm days and cool nights, that yielded Barbarescos endowed with regal intensity. The 2013s remind me of the 2010s, but with more inner sweetness and mid-palate richness. Vinous readers will recall that 2010 was an uneven vintage in Barbaresco. From what I have seen so far, 2013 does not have the austerity nor the inconsistency of 2010. The late October harvest was one of the latest on record. Some of the region’s younger producers told me they had never seen such a late-maturing vintage!" Antonio Galloni on the vintage

I am currently receiving many pre-release offers for these wines, and will be trying to access as many a I can for my customers, and for Forum Members if any are interested.

I will post these in the Hand Made Wines area, but if anyone is particularly interested, please let me know and I'd be pleased to add you to my 'notify' list.

Currently with me, are offers from Azelia, Vietti, Trediberri and even scarce and brilliant wines from Tuscany, from Podere Poggio Scalette.

Please do let me know if you may be interested in these, and the many more that will come through from now on. I personally will be stocking up on the 2013's ... oh and a couple of these producers are also offering ex cellars, back vintages, so even back filling may be an option.

Anyway, just let me know.

.

[JamieBahrain]

I just ordered-

6 x GD Vajra Barolo Ravera 2013

6 x GD Vajra Barolo Bricco Viole 2013

6 x GD Vajra Barolo Bricco Viole 2010 ( separate source )

Moving like hotcakes. Wish you could buy 3 x from bonded stocks but so be it.

Probably grab the 2013 Pio Cesare Ornato whils I'm at it too - not everyone's cup of tea I know.

[Gary W]

I ordered these 2013 from offer
Vietti Ravera
Vietti Castiglioni
Trediberri normale
Trediberri Annunziata

Will wait to try the standard Azelia when it lands.

[Ian S]

Two thousand thirteen, on the other hand, is shaping up to be an epic vintage of classic proportions and superb pedigree. The growing season was much more stable than 2012, but it is the last month of the year, a perfect September with warm days and cool nights, that yielded Barbarescos endowed with regal intensity. The 2013s remind me of the 2010s, but with more inner sweetness and mid-palate richness. Vinous readers will recall that 2010 was an uneven vintage in Barbaresco. From what I have seen so far, 2013 does not have the austerity nor the inconsistency of 2010. The late October harvest was one of the latest on record. Some of the region’s younger producers told me they had never seen such a late-maturing vintage!" Antonio Galloni on the vintage

Galloni was the biggest hyper of 2010 vintage, so to see him describing it as inconsistent, is difficult to bear. FWIW I rather agree with his new opinion, though others may be rather annoyed by his revisionist approach.

[Gary W]

I don't remember him hyping up 10 Barbaresco? Barolo,yes.

[JamieBahrain]

2010 was often a maligned Barbaresco vintage. There were some crackers but. Put a Produttori side by side for a simple comparison. I first noticed my preference for 2010 when tasting with Renato Vacca at del Pino. I left with cases of his 2010 instead of 2011.

[JamieBahrain]

Beauty and the Beast !

Comically, this supermarket Barolo ( $20 Aussie ) is loaded with volatile aromatics, prunes and raisin extract, on thin razor acidity and delivers a gratifying Barolo experience to many newcomers to the grape around the traps in HKG and at my place.

Head scratching stuff!

[JamieBahrain]

Will report further on this 85 Ceretto Asij Barbaresco. The bottle has been standing for a week and despite an angled to the vertical Coravin extraction, sediment fine and heavy. Will leave a few more weeks upright.

[Ian S]

Yes, I've no doubt there will be many long lived Barolos and I'm buying a few on faith- the ones that will disappear and appreciate if you don't snap up on release such as Conterno & Mascarello.

With the 2013's hitting the market I'll get back to 2012. I think they will be around for a while and it's great to have a vintage that looks far superior to 2009 or 2011 say, yet is going to be easily available.

2012 Bartolo Mascarello Barolo was available in a couple of the wine shops I went into in Torino this week, priced either side of €80. If I were an investor in wine, I would have snapped up all I could buy, as this is still very much the big name amongst traditionalist enthusiasts and I don't see that changing (though perhaps Cappellano is fast approaching that level of enthusiasm?). I'm sure I'd like it as well, but I stuck to my guns and focused on buying mostly lesser seen Piemontese wines, plus a couple of gaps I've been meaning to fill. The reality is, I have plenty of Barolo / Barbaresco and much as I love it, I very much enjoy the variety of wines in the region.

[michel]

Yes, I've no doubt there will be many long lived Barolos and I'm buying a few on faith- the ones that will disappear and appreciate if you don't snap up on release such as Conterno & Mascarello.

With the 2013's hitting the market I'll get back to 2012. I think they will be around for a while and it's great to have a vintage that looks far superior to 2009 or 2011 say, yet is going to be easily available.

2012 Bartolo Mascarello Barolo was available in a couple of the wine shops I went into in Torino this week, priced either side of €80. If I were an investor in wine, I would have snapped up all I could buy, as this is still very much the big name amongst traditionalist enthusiasts and I don't see that changing (though perhaps Cappellano is fast approaching that level of enthusiasm?). I'm sure I'd like it as well, but I stuck to my guns and focused on buying mostly lesser seen Piemontese wines, plus a couple of gaps I've been meaning to fill. The reality is, I have plenty of Barolo / Barbaresco and much as I love it, I very much enjoy the variety of wines in the region.

Buy the Mascarello
You will not regret it!

[JamieBahrain]

Sorry, of course Ceretta from Serranlunga. It's unmistakable .

On B Mascarrello I'm doing a dinner with magnums including 1958, 1961, 1964,1967, 1968,1971 and 1983.

I hope to write it up and I hope this amazing one off opportunity provided for my wine group answers my own questions on the consistency in amazing vintages

[tarija]

Yes, I've no doubt there will be many long lived Barolos and I'm buying a few on faith- the ones that will disappear and appreciate if you don't snap up on release such as Conterno & Mascarello.

With the 2013's hitting the market I'll get back to 2012. I think they will be around for a while and it's great to have a vintage that looks far superior to 2009 or 2011 say, yet is going to be easily available.

2012 Bartolo Mascarello Barolo was available in a couple of the wine shops I went into in Torino this week, priced either side of €80. If I were an investor in wine, I would have snapped up all I could buy, as this is still very much the big name amongst traditionalist enthusiasts and I don't see that changing (though perhaps Cappellano is fast approaching that level of enthusiasm?). I'm sure I'd like it as well, but I stuck to my guns and focused on buying mostly lesser seen Piemontese wines, plus a couple of gaps I've been meaning to fill.

80 euro vs AUD 320!

No Australian Barolo lover would have been able to resist.

[tarija]

Sorry, of course Ceretta from Serranlunga. It's unmistakable .

On B Mascarrello I'm doing a dinner with magnums including 1958, 1961, 1964,1967, 1968,1971 and 1983.

I hope to write it up and I hope this amazing one off opportunity provided for my wine group answers my own questions on the consistency in amazing vintages

Look forward to enjoying this vicariously through your notes and photos, lovely notes in this thread.

[Ian S]

Yes, I've no doubt there will be many long lived Barolos and I'm buying a few on faith- the ones that will disappear and appreciate if you don't snap up on release such as Conterno & Mascarello.

With the 2013's hitting the market I'll get back to 2012. I think they will be around for a while and it's great to have a vintage that looks far superior to 2009 or 2011 say, yet is going to be easily available.

2012 Bartolo Mascarello Barolo was available in a couple of the wine shops I went into in Torino this week, priced either side of €80. If I were an investor in wine, I would have snapped up all I could buy, as this is still very much the big name amongst traditionalist enthusiasts and I don't see that changing (though perhaps Cappellano is fast approaching that level of enthusiasm?). I'm sure I'd like it as well, but I stuck to my guns and focused on buying mostly lesser seen Piemontese wines, plus a couple of gaps I've been meaning to fill.

80 euro vs AUD 320!

No Australian Barolo lover would have been able to resist.

Yes I can see that would be a challenge! Maybe this might tempt a few of you into a trip, and I can certainly recommend Torino as a destination in its own right, rather than just a gateway into the Langhe (though I suspect most Aussie flights would be into Milano Malpensa, a much larger airport and not that much further away). If anyone is heading there, please tap me up for suggestions/insight etc. That was our 9th visit there.

My cellar is currently about one sixth Barolo and Barbaresco. I love the wines and am glad with what I have. However there is plenty more wine out there. It may be hard to resist, but a wider perspective is something that is overdue. Undoubtedly we'll end up back in the Langhe in the future, and I'm sure I'll buy a few more Barolo wines when we do.

[winetastic]

My cellar is currently about one sixth Barolo and Barbaresco. I love the wines and am glad with what I have. However there is plenty more wine out there. It may be hard to resist, but a wider perspective is something that is overdue. Undoubtedly we'll end up back in the Langhe in the future, and I'm sure I'll buy a few more Barolo wines when we do.

Don't worry Ian, one or two bottles of overworked Burgundy or Bordeaux and you will snap right out of it

[Ian S]

My cellar is currently about one sixth Barolo and Barbaresco. I love the wines and am glad with what I have. However there is plenty more wine out there. It may be hard to resist, but a wider perspective is something that is overdue. Undoubtedly we'll end up back in the Langhe in the future, and I'm sure I'll buy a few more Barolo wines when we do.

Don't worry Ian, one or two bottles of overworked Burgundy or Bordeaux and you will snap right out of it

Not what I had in mind!

[JamieBahrain]

Mascarello magnums with the individual artwork were 74 euros when I last visited. That's smart investing.

[JamieBahrain]

My cellar is currently about one sixth Barolo and Barbaresco. I love the wines and am glad with what I have. However there is plenty more wine out there. It may be hard to resist, but a wider perspective is something that is overdue. Undoubtedly we'll end up back in the Langhe in the future, and I'm sure I'll buy a few more Barolo wines when we do.

Don't worry Ian, one or two bottles of overworked Burgundy or Bordeaux and you will snap right out of it

I get your personal interest in diversity Ian, but in Australia there isn't the opportunity. Hong Kong is good though, tonight I'll have a glass of mature white hermitage and a half a bottle of Meshach- resisting the personal buzz which would be opening a Piedmontese wine.

The other school of thought, as Eddie Loosen said to me in his drawing room years ago, is find a region you love and immerse yourself in it.

[winetastic]

If you were to open one of these two bottles this weekend, which would you choose and what would be your decanting treatment?
2004 Cavallotto Barolo Bricco Boschis
2001 Cavallotto Barolo Riserva Vignolo

[Mivvy]

If you were to open one of these two bottles this weekend, which would you choose and what would be your decanting treatment?
2004 Cavallotto Barolo Bricco Boschis
2001 Cavallotto Barolo Riserva Vignolo

I had a 1999 Vigna San Giuseppe a couple of months ago which had a double decant in the morning, sat in the bottle for the day and then maybe an hour or two in a decanter in the evening. It was very good drinking up against a '99 Bartolo and I would say at the start drinking window but by no means near maturity. Using that as a reference point I'd say the Vignolo would be in a similar place. Not had much of the Bricco Boschis although its not what I'd call an entry level Barolo so expect an '04 would be on the young side as well. If you have more of the Vignolo I'd crack that open for a try.

[Ian S]

The other school of thought, as Eddie Loosen said to me in his drawing room years ago, is find a region you love and immerse yourself in it.

...and definitely it would be wrong to have too little of what you love, in favour of stuff you might hate/ like / love. Getting a cellar balance right isn't always easy, and it's important to be able to change track along the way.

To an extent I have immersed in Barolo / Barbaresco, but that tasting a couple of months ago reinforced that a diet of mostly B&B isn't as exciting to me as a lineup including Grignolino, Freisa, Pelaverga, Timorasso, Vespolina etc. some of which are quite humble wines yet each can be charming.
We're not in danger of running out of B&B

FWIW the March thread has what I did buy. A few away from the intended focus, but each were wines I like and couldn't resist. It would have been easy to add another dozen different wines, and another dozen after that. One I have regrets about not getting more of was Hauner's Hierà, about €12 IIRC.

[Ian S]

If you were to open one of these two bottles this weekend, which would you choose and what would be your decanting treatment?
2004 Cavallotto Barolo Bricco Boschis
2001 Cavallotto Barolo Riserva Vignolo

I had a 1999 Vigna San Giuseppe a couple of months ago which had a double decant in the morning, sat in the bottle for the day and then maybe an hour or two in a decanter in the evening. It was very good drinking up against a '99 Bartolo and I would say at the start drinking window but by no means near maturity. Using that as a reference point I'd say the Vignolo would be in a similar place. Not had much of the Bricco Boschis although its not what I'd call an entry level Barolo so expect an '04 would be on the young side as well. If you have more of the Vignolo I'd crack that open for a try.

What was your view on where the 99 Bartolo was? I have a bottle and was intending to leave it for another decade, but always happy to hear a status report