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THE STORY
"Sophisticated, modern Barolos are particularly notable for avoiding excessive wood aromas; to this end, Grasso prefers to use large barrels rather than barriques for maturation, and uses less than 30% new wood even on his single-vineyard bottlings.
At the estate “natural agriculture” is carried out. Integrated insect and disease control is carried out. Sulfur-and copper-based products are used. Only organic fertilizers are used (the Insieme Group financed a cattle farm also for the production of manure). Spontaneous cover crops (sometimes specific crops are sown) are left between the rows of vines, the grass is mowed and the soil is occasionally tilled (the turf is mainly left in place). Very careful use of SO2 in the wines.”
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Silvio Grasso Barolo Pi Vigne 2005
Aromas of plum, prune and bark turn to raisin. Full-bodied, chewy and powerful, with big tannins and lots of concentration. Best after 2012.
Wine Advocate: 94
Regular Price: $44.99Sale Price: $35.99
Bottle Size: 750 ml
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AND WHILE WE ARE ON THE SUBJECT OF GREAT BAROLI:
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Pecchenino Barolo Le Coste 2004
"Ripe plum, verging on prune, with coffee and dark chocolate character. Full-bodied, with soft tannins that are very velvety and caressing. Chewy and concentrated. Sneaks up on you. A superb debut Barolo from Piedmonts best Dolcetto producer. Best after 2012."
Wine Spectator: 95
Regular Price: $99.99Sale Price: $79.99
Bottle Size: 750 ml
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Cavallotto Barolo Riserva San Giuseppe 2001
Particular selection of grapes exclusively from old vines. Average age of vines is 50 years old, with some being more than 70 years old. Grapes are sourced from the best part of the Bricco Boschis Cru. These are their oldest vines. This is an important wine for them. Very limited production, only 13,330 750ml bottles a year produced. Limited quantities of magnums and double magnums are available.
In every vintage a portion of the grapes from this vineyard go into the Bricco Boschis Barolo.
Alfio Cavallotto, Winemaker/Owner
The 2001 Barolo Riserva Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe is captivating. Made in a dark, brooding style, it reveals a deeply layered personality that marries richness to depth, with generous tar, smoke, menthol, spices and sweet black cherries. As expected, it comes across as much more powerful and structured than the 2001 Vignolo tasted alongside it. Still an infant, the 2001 Vigna San Giuseppe is a wine to buy and forget about for several years if not considerably longer. It may very well be the finest Barolo Cavallotto has ever made, and it is not to be missed. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2026. - Wine Advocate
Wine Advocate: 95
Regular Price: $89.99Sale Price: $71.99
Bottle Size: 750 ml
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Mascarello Barolo Monprivato 2003
"The 2003 Barolo Monprivato is made in an atypically big, powerful style loaded with ripe fruit supported by plenty of structure. It boasts an enticing palate presence and a uniquely intense personality. The classic Monprivato notes of ripe cherries, roses, minerals, flowers and herbs are present, but they don't have the clarity and precision of the finest vintages. In 2003 Mascarello was more severe than normal in his green harvesting of the vineyard as he wanted to lighten the load on his plants to reduce their stress. He was also helped considerably by the compact, moisture-retentive soils. Readers who prefer more classically-styled versions of Monprivato may want to revisit the 1999 and 2001 although Mascarello told me he prefers the 2003 to the 2001. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2023."
Wine Advocate: 93
Regular Price: $94.99Sale Price: $75.99
Bottle Size: 750 ml
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Mascarello Barolo Monprivato 2004
Mascarello s 2004 Barolo Monprivato is an explosive wine with an almost Pinot-like expression of purity in its fruit. This round, sweet Barolo is extremely primary at this stage, with tons of dense fruit that almost cover the wines tannins completely. Subtle overtones of roses and tar develop in the glass, rounding out this majestic wine. Monprivato is one of the worlds very finest values in collectible, age-worthy wine, and the 2004 is another classic in the making. I was blown away by this wines sheer balance and harmony, both of which are remarkable considering the wines age. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2034
Wine Advocate: 96
Regular Price: $119.99Sale Price: $89.99
Bottle Size: 750 ml
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Cappellano Barolo Pie Rupestris 2004
Regular Price: $89.99Sale Price: $71.99
Bottle Size: 750 ml
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Roagna Barolo Riserva Rocca E La Pira 1993
Roagnas 1993 Barolo Riserva La Rocca e La Pira spent a whopping eleven and a half years in oak! Its tannins have mostly melted away, leaving a sublime, ethereal Barolo redolent of dried roses, plums, prunes, baking spices, leather, menthol and anise. It possesses outstanding balance and enough underlying structure to drink well for another decade. The opportunity to purchase an older, ready to drink vintage directly from the producer doesn't come around too often and Roagna should be commended for making wines like this 1993 Barolo Riserva available. It is a lovely effort. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2017.
Wine Advocate: 92
Regular Price: $108.99Sale Price: $87.19
Bottle Size: 750 ml
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Roagna Barolo Vigna Rionda 2004
The wine possesses lovely liqueur-like fruit woven into suggestions of dried roses, spices and licorice. The best bottle reminded me of some of the greatest Vigna Riondas I have ever had in its freshness and structure, while other bottles have been more advanced, and while still pretty, lacking the sheer perfume and verve of the great bottle. That said, Nebbiolo can be a perplexing wine and some of the bottles may have just been shut down, so only time will tell which is the real Roagna Vigna Rionda.
Wine Advocate: 90+
Regular Price: $69.99Sale Price: $55.99
Bottle Size: 750 ml
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