TASTING NOTE: The 2003 Barolo Brunate is sweet, pure and beautiful in its expression of dark fruit, tobacco, menthol and toasted oak. This poised, nuanced Barolo reveals outstanding length, well-integrated tannins and a judicious use of French oak, with a long, lingering finish. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019. Score - 92.
(Antonio Galloni,
www.erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2007)
Elio Altare Barolo Brunate 2003
DOCG
51151
(XD) 750 mL $129
"Elio Altare’s wines represent the finest of the artisanal tradition, so it can hardly be surprising that he has once again produced some of the vintage’s most compelling Barolos. In fact, with his 2003 Barolos Altare shows just how far ahead of the pack he is." (Antonio Galloni, www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2007)
TASTING NOTE: Elio Altare has produced another gem in his 2003 Barolo Brunate. It is a contemplative, meditative wine that possesses an enviable amount of clarity and precision in a vintage where those qualities were very hard to come by. Black cherries and the darker balsamic menthol and eucalyptus notes for which Brunate is so famous all emerge from the wine’s weighty frame in a stunning display of purity, elegance and power. While the 2003 may not be the best vintage of this wine, it amply demonstrates why Elio Altare is in a class with few peers. I consider Altare’s Barolo Brunate one of Italy’s greatest wines. It is one of the few Barolos that is a must-purchase in every vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021. Score - 94.
(Antonio Galloni,
www.erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2007)
Elio Altare Barolo Vigneto Arborina 2003
DOCG
51144
(XD) 750 mL $122
TASTING NOTE: The 2003 Barolo Arborina presents a livelier color than the normale, along with gorgeous red fruit, menthol and spice overtones that carry through to the finish. This elegant, refined Barolo offers superb balance in a style that captures the essence of the vintage in its additional weightiness, but without compromising the integrity of the vineyard Altare has single-handedly made among the most recognized in Barolo. It is one of the highlights of the vintage, but will require a few years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2021. Score - 92.
(Antonio Galloni,
www.erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2007)
Fratelli Revello Barolo 2003
DOCG
51235
(XD) 750 mL $45
TASTING NOTE: Full, velvety and round, with lots of ripe tannins and vanilla, berry and chocolate character. Powerful. Needs time. Very well done for the vintage. Best after 2011. Score - 90.
(James Suckling,
www.winespectator.com,
Oct. 15, 2007)
Fratelli Revello Barolo Vigna Conca 2003
DOCG
51243
(XD) 750 mL $73
TASTING NOTE: Shows dried cherry and plum character, with hints of citrus fruit. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and bright acidity. A little tight, but very well done. Best after 2010. Score - 90.
(James Suckling,
www.winespectator.com,
Oct. 15, 2007)
Renato Corino Barolo Arborina 2003
DOCG
51250
(XD) 750 mL $66
TASTING NOTE: Fresh aromas of strawberry and flowers follow through to a full-bodied palate, with soft tannins and a medium finish. Lacks a little midpalate. Clean and focused. Best after 2009. Score - 89.
(James Suckling,
www.winespectator.com,
Oct. 15, 2007)
Azelia Barolo Riserva Voghera Brea 2001
DOCG
51284
(XD) 750 mL $100
TASTING NOTE: The estate’s 2001 Barolo Riserva Voghera-Brea is surprisingly open for a Serralunga Barolo in this vintage. Made in a sweet, ethereal style, this medium-bodied wine presents a lovely purity and sweetness in its stewed prunes, plums, leather, scorched earth and coffee beans. Judging by the lack of intensity in color as well as its relatively advanced aromas and flavors, this is not likely to be an extremely long-lived wine, but it is delicious today. The flavor profile is almost that of a more traditionally-made Barolo. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016. Score - 91.
(Antonio Galloni,
www.erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2007)
Brovia Barolo Rocche 2001
DOCG
64055
(XD) 750 mL $80
TASTING NOTE: Good full red. Reticent nose hints at roasted, liqueur-like red fruits, lifted by notes of licorice and mint. Then bright, spicy and firmly built, with high-pitched dark berry, cocoa powder and menthol flavors and a fine-grained texture. More primary and austere-not to mention much more classic-than the 2000. According to Elena [Brovia], this vineyard's finer, sand-based soils are particularly sensitive to vintage variation, and 2001 benefited from some well-timed precipitation in late summer. But although the Rocche is quite variable according to vintage and can lack color in average years, with aging the differences shrink, Elena maintains. Score - 92-93.
(Stephen Tanzer,
International Wine Cellar,
Nov./Dec. 2004)
Ca' Rome' Romano Marengo Barolo Vigna Cerretta 2001
DOCG
455
(XD) 750 mL $76
TASTING NOTE: Very complex aromas with coffee, plum and Indian spices. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Loads of ripe fruit and character here. Very fine indeed. Excellent wine from here. Best after 2007. Score - 92.
(James Suckling,
www.winespectator.com,
Oct. 15, 2005)
Manzone Barolo Le Gramolere Riserva 2001
DOCG
51326
(XD) 750 mL $97
TASTING NOTE: The 2001 Barolo Riserva Le Gramolere reveals the superior pedigree of its vintage in a gorgeous portrait of ethereal sweet dark fruit, cocoa, herbs, licorice and toasted oak. It is a richly-textured yet nuanced Barolo with notable complexity, polish and finesse, particularly for Monforte. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021. Score - 92.
(Antonio Galloni,
www.erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2007)
Dante Rivetti Barbaresco Bricco Riserva 2000
DOCG
62687
(XD) 750 mL $45
In this catalogue, we offer you the chance to conduct a mini-vertical tasting of Dante Rivetti's Barbaresco Bricco: we have this 2000 and the 1999 vintage (62679) available.
Giovanni Manzone Barolo le Gramolere Riserva 2000
DOCG
51334
(XD) 750 mL $92
TASTING NOTE: Aromas of blackberry, cherry and tobacco follow through to a full-bodied palate, with racy tannins and a long finish. Integrated and balanced. Best after 2008. Score - 93.
(James Suckling,
www.winespectator.com,
Dec. 31, 2006)
Marchesi di Barolo Barolo Riserva 2000 DOCG
12518
(XD) 750 mL $76
TASTING NOTE: This shows lots of licorice and tar with a fruity undertone. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long, rich finish. Mouthpuckering. Built for aging. This is very impressive for this producer. Best after 2008. Score - 93.
(James Suckling,
www.winespectator.com,
Dec. 31, 2005)
Azelia Barolo Bricco Fiasco 1999
DOCG
51300
(XD) 750 mL $80
TASTING NOTE: Medium ruby. The Bricco Fiasco displays an open, perfumed nose followed by dark red fruit, mineral and tobacco nuances on a medium to full-bodied frame of classic structure and length. It is somewhat less generous on the palate than the San Rocco, and its more advanced aromas and flavors suggest it is also closer to maturity, although it should drink well to age 20. Drink after 2007. Score - 92.
(Antonio Galloni,
www.erobertparker.com,
May 2006)
Dante Rivetti Barbaresco Bricco Riserva 1999
DOCG
62679
(XD) 750 mL $45
Aged up to two years in oak casks and a further 12 months in bottle, this wine is made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes that are grown in the estate's historical vineyards of Bricco di Neive hill. This Barbaresco's intense bouquet of floral and licorice aromas is followed up by a dry, medium-full body with fine balance and structure. Match this beauty with braised meat and game dishes.
SILVIO GRASSO BRICCO LUCIANI BAROLO 1998
DOCG
21394
(XD) 750 mL $78
TASTING NOTE: Earthy and chewy, with cedary, spice box, and black cherry scents and flavors, the full-bodied, moderately tannic 1998 Barolo Bricco Luciani displays the vintage's notable fragrance, outstanding purity, and beautiful symmetry among its component parts. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2015. Score - (90-92).
(Robert Parker Jr.,
www.erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2001)
Dante Rivetti Barbaresco Bricco de Neueis Riserva 1997
DOCG
62661
(XD) 750 mL $45
TASTING NOTE: Very spicy aromas, with cloves, cinnamon and bright berries. Full-bodied and chewy, with lots of velvety tannins and a long, succulent, juicy, rich aftertaste. Best after 2004. Score - 91.
(James Suckling,
www.winespectator.com,
Nov. 30, 2001)
Dante Rivetti Barbaresco Bricco de Neueis Riserva 1996
DOCG
62653
(XD) 750 mL $45
TASTING NOTE: Decadent aromas of wild berries, meat and wood. Full-bodied, with soft tannins and a long, caressing finish. There's a wonderful texture to this wine.--1996 Piedmont retrospective. Drink now. Score - 92.
(James Suckling,
www.winespectator.com,
Web Only, 2007)
Casetta Barbaresco Riserva 1990
DOCG
63560
(XD) 750 mL $67
The Casetta family has lived in Vezza d'Alba since 1725. The present day Casetta winery is the work of Ernesto Casetta, now assisted by his nephews Bruno and Pierangelo. Casetta practices organic cultivation methods, green harvesting, and hand-picking to arrive at their juicy, full-bodied Barbaresco, which just begs for rare roast beef rubbed with garlic and rosemary.
TASTING NOTE: Offers beautiful aromas of currant, blackberry and Indian spices, with a perfumed floral undertone. Full-bodied, balanced and refined. Very long and pretty. Gaja continues to improve here every year. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best after 2010. Score - 92.
(James Suckling,
www.winespectator.com,
Oct. 31, 2007)
Bibi Graetz Testamatta 2004
IGT Toscana
41277
(D) 750 mL $123
TASTING NOTE: The 2004 Testamatta (85% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo), Graetz’s top red, presents gorgeous aromatics and deeply expressive layers of sweet dark fruit in a highly individualistic display of elegance, with superb length and fine tannins on the finish. The new oak tannins are still very much present and this wine is in need of some bottle age, but it has all the ingredients of a truly special wine. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2022. Score - 94.
(Antonio Galloni,
www.erobertparker.com,
June 2007)
Gagliole Pecchia 2004
IGT Colli della Toscana Centrale
(Anitco Podere Gagliole)
40436
(D) 750 mL $124
TASTING NOTE: Subtle aromas of plum, sweet tobacco and cedar. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and subtle fruit on the thick, powerful finish. A great wine. So layered and structured. Sangiovese. Best after 2008. Score - 95.
(James Suckling,
www.winespectator.com,
Oct. 31, 2006)
Campo alla Sughera Arnione Bolgheri Superiore 2003
DOC
65300
(XD) 750 mL $65
TASTING NOTE: The deeply-colored 2003 Bolgheri Arnione is a dazzling effort that is not to be missed. Made in restrained style for the vintage and the region, it is an exceptionally elegant and refined wine that offers very attractive notes of blueberry jam, smoke, minerals, licorice and sweet toasted oak on a full-bodied frame with notable concentration and balance. Still vibrant, it should drink well to age 12-15. Made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot, and aged 15 months in French oak. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2015. Score - 93.
(Antonio Galloni,
www.erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2007)
Casanuova delle Cerbaie Brunello di Montalcino 2001
DOCG
673293
(XD) 750 mL $59
TASTING NOTE: Very wonderful nose of fresh flowers, berries and oak. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a long, long finish. Refined yet structured. Best after 2006. Score - 90.
(James Suckling,
www.winespectator.com,
Web Only, 2006)
Castelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Ripe al Convento 2001
DOCG
(Marchese de' Frescobaldi)
51441
(XD) 750 mL $122
This wine was #26 on Wine Spectator's list of the 'Top 100 Wines of 2007'.
TASTING NOTE: Aromas of blackberry, licorice and tar. Full-bodied, with silky tannins, great mouthfeel and a caressing finish that's long and exciting. Builds and builds on the palate. Very close to the legendary 1997. Best after 2010. Score - 97.
(James Suckling,
www.winespectator.com,
April 30, 2007)
Castello di Bossi Girolamo 2001
IGT Toscana
63586
(XD) 750 mL $73
TASTING NOTE: The 2001 Girolamo, 100% Merlot, is sheer pleasure from start to finish, sweet, smoky, and luscious on the nose, broad, velvety, and sumptuous on the palate. One of best Merlots now available in Chianti Classico, it will drink well for another dozen years. Score - 93.
(Daniel Thomases,
www.erobertparker.com,
April 2006)
Cerbaia Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Cerbaia 2001
DOCG
62919
(XD) 750 mL $57
TASTING NOTE: Beautiful aromas of blackberry, light vanilla and cherry follow through to a full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a medium finish. Refined and subtle. Best after 2008. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. Score - 90.
(James Suckling,
www.winespectator.com,
April 30, 2006)
Conti Costanti Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2001
DOCG
63222
(XD) 750 mL $132
TASTING NOTE: Costanti’s 2001 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva presents a very elegant style that reconciles modern and traditional styles with unusual grace and beauty. A translucent red, it reveals terrific detail and purity in its tobacco, ripe red cherries, tar, smoke and spices. This medium-bodied Brunello will benefit from another two years or so of bottle age and should drink well for another decade. It is a terrific effort. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019. Score - 95.
(Antonio Galloni,
www.erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2007)
Michele Satta Cavaliere 2001
IGT Toscana
709972
(D) 750 mL $44
TASTING NOTE: The 2001 Cavaliere (100% Sangiovese) is another terrific effort from Satta. Made from the estate’s best fruit it sees 20 day's maceration prior to being aged in barrique for 12 months. It presents the darker, brooding side of Sangiovese in its notes of scorched earth, tar, backward dark cherry fruit and well-integrated oak. Powerful and authoritative on the palate, the amply structured Cavaliere should offer rewarding drinking to age 20. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2021. Score - 92.
(Antonio Galloni,
www.erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2007)
Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello di Montalcino Rennina 2000
DOCG
744607
(XD) 750 mL $122
TASTING NOTE: Gaja’s 2000 Brunello di Montalcino Rennina opens with a floral nose followed by sweet red fruit with slight signs of over-ripeness on an open, soft-textured frame of much finesse. The slightly advanced color suggests this won’t be a terribly long-lived wine, but it is a great choice for drinking today and over the next 8-10 years. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2016. Score - 90.
(Antonio Galloni,
www.erobertparker.com,
Dec. 2006)
Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille 2000
DOCG
71829
(XD) 750 mL $150
TASTING NOTE: The 2000 Brunello di Montalcino Sugarille is dark in color as well as fresh in its aromas and flavors. It exudes a deep palate packed with smoke, tar, underbrush, tobacco and vibrant dark fruit in a style that marries power with finesse. A few years of cellaring are suggested, after which this wine will drink beautifully to at least age 20. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2016. Score - 92.
(Antonio Galloni,
www.erobertparker.com,
Dec. 2006)
Rocca della Macìe Ser Gioveto 2000
IGT Toscana
974964
(D) 750 mL $38
TASTING NOTE: A big and rich Sangiovese, with loads of fruit and velvety tannins. Full-bodied and very long. Fresh and exciting. An excellent red. Best after 2004. Score - 91.
(James Suckling,
www.winespectator.com,
Oct. 15, 2003)
Rocca delle Macìe Roccato 1999
IGT Toscana
964130
(XD) 750 mL $44
TASTING NOTE: Lots of mineral, berry and currant character in this solid red. Full-bodied, with firm yet refined tannins and a long, succulent finish. A beauty. Always well-done. Sangiovese and Cabernet. Best after 2004. Score - 90.
(James Suckling,
www.winespectator.com,
Sept. 30, 2002)
CARPINETO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 1995
DOCG
683490
(XD) 750 mL $52
TASTING NOTE: Ruby-violet. Pronounced vanilla, cherry and raspberry aromas, with a floral overtone; quite fine if not quite traditional. Medium-full body. Palate-coating, dense fruit flavors from entry to finish. Sweet cherry, licorice and vanillin oak predominate. Very fresh and vital on the finish, with ripe tannins and lowish acidity giving the wine a velvety texture rare for Chianti Classico. The oak does not overwhelm the strong fruit. A modern style of wine, and very well done. Score - (out of 3).
(Joel Butler MW,
International Wine Cellar,
July/Aug. 1998)
CARPINETO VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 1990
DOCG
47159
(XD) 750 mL $108
TASTING NOTE: Still dark in color, albeit with some bricking evident, and still a bit tannic on the finish. Still, this is very good, combining earth and tobacco with plums and cherries. Big in the mouth, with a velvety feel, but also a touch of warmth from alcohol. Drink now or hold. Score - 89.
Wine Enthusiast,
Aug. 2006)
TASTING NOTE: The 2004 Fratta (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot) is almost as outstanding. It reveals a more herbal profile, along with masses of jammy fruit and a powerful structure that cries out desperately for bottle age and patience. In time it might rival the Crosara Breganze. Anticipated maturity: 2009- 2019. Score - 93.
(Antonio Galloni,
www.erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2007)
Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella 1999
DOC, Classico
362277
(XD) 750 mL $99
The 2007 Gambero Rosso Italian Wines guide awarded this Amarone its highest honour of Three Glasses.
TASTING NOTE: Here is a beautifully aged Amarone that shows profound grace and elegance on all levels. The nose is expertly weaved with cherry, licorice, white truffle, caramel and butterscotch nuances. A tight, fine grain texture characterizes the mouthfeel, and bolsters the wine’s enormous intensity and persistency of flavor. It is aged six years in oak casks. Score - 94.
(Monica Larner,
Wine Enthusiast,
Dec. 1, 2007)
Quintarelli Amarone 1998
DOC, Classico Superiore
986109
(D) 750 mL $405
TASTING NOTE: The 1998 Amarone reveals a gorgeous nose along with ripe red cherries, cough syrup, spices and minerals on a medium-bodied frame. Made in a sweet, inviting style, it offers excellent length as well as purity in a very classic style. It also appears to have enough fruit to compensate for the volatile acidity which is present. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2018. Score - 93.
(Antonio Galloni,
www.erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2007)
Bertani Amarone Recioto della Valpolicella 1986
DOC, Classico Superiore
63172
(MD) 750 mL $135
Marco Sabellico and Daniele Cernilli wrote in their book, The New Italy: A Complete Guide to Contemporary Italian Wine (2001), that: “Bertani is an historic name in the Veneto. Its wineries are among the few in the world to store thousands of bottles from long-ago vintages in perfect drinkable conditions.” The Gambero Rosso Italian Wines guide (2005) praised the wines of Bertani: "Valpolicella. No other term exists that so perfectly expresses the essence of Bertani, a winery, a tradition, and a certainty in the continually changing world of wine. This is Bertani: 150 years of growing Verona wines and making local wine history. Bertani means tradition, as the leading producer of a wine that has never been drastically altered: at the most it has been slightly revised, but with one eye firmly on the past. Bertani also means the future, because the taste of today's wine is drawing closer to its roots." Here is a mini-vertical of Recioto Amarones from one of the finest producers in Veneto.
Bertani Amarone Recioto della Valpolicella 1967
DOC, Classico Superiore
TASTING NOTE: The 2003 Acininobili is utterly mind-blowing in its expression of candied apricots, orange peel and cinnamon. Constantly changing in the glass, it reveals superb intensity and a stunningly gorgeous purity, with superb length and phenomenal poise. Acininobili is a selection made from botrytised Torcolato fruit. It is aged for two years in new French oak. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2017. Score - 96.
(Antonio Galloni,
www.erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2007)
