The IGP Barolo Tastings: Verduno, Serralunga and More

The last day of tasting in Wellcom's offices in Alba for the IGP team: 2007 Barolo from the Communes of Verduno and Serralunga, and a few Barolo and Barbaresco wines from older vintages.

Just a few samples from Verduno, but high quality, with beautiful balance.

Serralunga instead, as usual, is striking in its power, which in this vintage was -- in some wines -- accompanied by excessive alcohol and tannins that are quite rustic. Just some, many of the other Serralunga wines instead display the classic tightly woven Serralunghese "megatannins", and with them the sensation is one of almost velvety fullness and balance that continues almost infinitely.

Of the 56 wines we tasted, 11 impressed all of us, and thus became IGP selections, the list of which I posted upon my return to Florence. Here are the notes for all the wines tasted, in the order poured.

Wines from the Commune of Verduno

Commendator G. B. Burlotto Acclivi Barolo DOCG 2007

An IGP Selection Deep black almandine with brilliant black reflections and almandine rim. Elegant bouquet with berry fruit, cherries, violets, and rosa canina; it's quite fresh and as it opens some leaf tobacco and slight leather also emerge. Pleasant. On the palate it's bright, with lively cherry fruit supported by smooth sweet tannins that have a spicy burr, and flow into a clean peppery finish with some underlying bitterness. A fresh, lively expression of Barolo that will brighten the day.
2 stars

Alessandria F.lli Barolo DOCG 2007

Black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is intense, rather metallic at first swish, with berry fruit and some menthol supported by warm spice; it opens to reveal berry fruit -- cherry and slight raspberry acidity -- with nice depth, and muscular. On the palate it's full, with bright cherry fruit supported by slightly greenish accents, acidity that is slightly lactic with hints of scalded milk, and tannins that have some cedar to them, and flow into a warm splintery tannic finish that again has some lactic acidity to it.
2 stars

Alessandria F.lli San Lorenzo Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet has greenish leaf tobacco and some spice mingled with red berry fruit and some acidity; the effect is airy and rather alcoholic. It's less developed, needs time. On the palate it's bright, with lively red berry fruit supported by tannins that are smooth and fresh, with slightly greenish accents and have a slight burr; the acidity is raspberry and flows into a clean slightly greenish sour berry fruit finish.
2 stars

Alessandria F.lli Monvigliero Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, and smoky with some cedar, bright berry fruit supported by cherry acidity and crushed cherries with slight vegetal accents and hints of rosa canina. On the palate it's full, with bright red berry fruit supported by mentholated spice and tannins that have slight greenish cedary notes, and flow into a clean fairly tart cedar laced finish. Nicely balanced in middle of the road key.
2 stars

Alessandria F.lli Gramolere Barolo DOCG 2007

An IGP Selection
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is quite fresh, with elegant floral accents, rosa cainina, cherry fruit, spice, deft cedar, hints of goudron, berry fruit acidity with slight scalded milk, and greenish notes; it's quite harmonious. On the palate it's full, and bright, with dusky cherry fruit supported by deft berry fruit acidity and slight brambles, and by tannins that are smooth and sweet and flow into an elegant cherry fruit finish. Pleasant and will also age nicely.
2 stars

Sebaste Mauro Monvigliero Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections. The bouquet is greenish with leaf tobacco, berry fruit, some spice, and rosa canina; it's lively, with nice acidity, and inviting. On the palate it's bright, with lively berry fruit acidity and bright cherry fruit supported by smooth sweet tannins that flow into a long sour cherry finish with slight dusky tannic underpinning. Pleasant in a fairly traditional key.
2 stars

Wines from the Commune of Serralunga Ascheri Sorano Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with cherry ruby rim. The bouquet is fresh, with bright cherry fruit supported by greenish accents, spice, cracked cherries, some leaf tobacco and green leather; it's elegant and powerful On the palate it's bright, with fresh slightly jammy cherry fruit supported by tannins that are a touch drier than expected, some acidity that has scalded milk accents, and flows into a dry finish with some cedar and some berry fruit. Less interesting on palate than nose.
2 stars

Ascheri Sorano Coste e Bricco Barolo DOCG 2007

An IGP Selection Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with cherry fruit supported by some menthol and spice, and chewy cherry fruit; it's fresh and young. On the palate it's full, and powerful, with crushed cherry fruit supported by powerful tannins that have a warm dusky burr, flow into a clean tannic finish. Very young, needs at least a couple of years -- when it's ready it will display nice balance and depth in a middle of the road key.
2 stars

Batasiolo Vigneto Corda della Briccolina Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections. The bouquet is powerful, with cherry plum fruit supported by plum accents, alcohol, some acidity, and greenish spice; it displays nice depth in a more international key On the palate it's fairly rich, and a bit less powerful than nose suggests, with tart berry fruit supported by sour berry fruit acidity and tannins that have a dusky bitter burr, and flow into a fairly long cedar laced finish with warmth and some bitterness.
2 stars

Batasiolo Vigneto Boscareto Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. Rustic nose, with lathered horse, some balsamic accents, greenish notes, spice, and moderate berry fruit. On the palate it's fairly rich, with slightly balsamic berry fruit supported by smooth sweet tannins, sea salt, and moderate acidity; in the finish, which is long, the tannins gain a cedary burr. If you like a more traditional style -- it's far from a soft wine -- you will like it.
2 stars

Baudana Luigi Baudana Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is ripe, with candied berry fruit supported by hardwood ash, some menthol alcohol, some spice, and as it opens hints of truffle. On the palate it's bright, and ready, with lively cherry fruit supported by some jammy accents, fairly bright acidity, tannins that have some greenish notes, and a pleasant tannic, spicy finish. Nice depth, fresh, middle of the road key.
2 stars

Baudana Luigi Cerretta Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, with berry fruit with oak and oak bitterness, graphite shavings and dusky penetrating spice; the effect is brooding. On the palate it's bright, with moderately intense berry fruit supported by tannins that separate from the fruit, and have a dry cedar laced burr that needs time to work into wine. At present overly tannic with too much cedar.
1 star

Casa Vinicola E. di Mirafiori Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections. The bouquet is smoky and savory with berry fruit supported by dusky brooding greenish mentholated accents and some balsam, with warmth and animal hair. An interesting mix. On the palate it's ample, and laxer than expected, with moderate ripe greenish berry fruit with slight jammy notes supported by moderate acidity, and smooth dusky tannins that have slight bitter accents and flow into a greenish finish. I found it a touch settled, but would give it time because I think it will likely come around.
2 stars

Cascina Cucco Barolo DOCG 2007

Crystalline almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is intense, with plum cherry fruit supported by spice, jammy notes, some menthol, goudron, some cedar and spice. Massive. On the palate it's full, with greenish berry fruit supported by dusky tannic bitterness and some greenish berry fruit acidity that flows into a clean rather greenish finish; it's pleasant in a fairly large key, though it displays some depth as well, and the acidity provides nice direction. It grew on me.
2 stars

Cascina Cucco Cerrati Vigna Cucco Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with cherry fruit supported by berry fruit jam, some greenish vegetal accents, spice, and slightly brambly acidity. On the palate it's bright, with ripe cherry fruit supported by moderately intense tannins and by fairly deft berry fruit acidity; it's more graceful than powerful, and displays pleasing finesse on the palate will become ethereal with time
2 stars

Cascina Cucco Cerrati Barolo DOCG 2007

An IGP Selection
Deep black almandine with black reflections The bouquet is rich, and slightly jammy, with cherry fruit supported by berry fruit jam and some greenish accents, slight concord grapes, slight vegetal notes, slight cedar. On the palate it's scrappier than the nose suggests, with moderate berry fruit supported by cedary tannins that have a distinct burr and flow into a warm tannic finish. It needs time, because the tannins are out of whack, but does have considerable potential. The score reflects today.
2 stars

Ceretto Bricco Rocche Prapò Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is powerful, and cooked, with jammy berry fruit supported by stewed cherries, considerable vanilla, and some spice. A bit overblown. On the palate it's ample and soft, with cooked cherry plum fruit supported by fairly deft plum acidity and by tannins that are warm and sweet with a cedary cocoa cast that carries into a long finish that becomes quite dry. Very ripe, and if you like this oaked style you will enjoy it, but you have to like it.
1 star

Gabutti Azienda Agricola - Boasso Serralunga Barolo DOCG 2007

Almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is eye opening, with cooked cherry fruit and some cedar, some jammy accents, and also some badly overripe berry fruit of the sort that begins to be sharp. On the palate it's ample, with moderate almost brandied berry fruit supported by warmth and ample very dry tannins that dry out the mouth. Lacks substance.
1 star

Gabutti Azienda Agricola - Boasso Margheria Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet has ripe cherry fruit supported by warmth, alcohol, greenish accents and some spice with slight dusky shadow. On the palate it's bright, with fairly rich cherry fruit supported by bright acidity and by tannins that are smooth, flowing into a bright sour berry fruit finish. The tannins aren't quite up to snuff; they're a little thin and a bit green. I'd have liked more depth and richness to the palate, and would give it time, in the hopes that it becomes ethereal
1 star

Gabutti Azienda Agricola - Boasso Gabutti Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with jammy cherry fruit supported by alcohol, sweetness, and some leather; it's quite ripe. On the palate it's fruity on the outset, with tannins that start smooth but become peppery and quite angry, covering the tongue with a cedary veneer. It needs at least a couple of years for the tannins to fold in, and they may never really do so.
1 star

Germano Ettore Cerretta Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is a bit rustic, with balsamic accents and some wet stable straw, wet leather, savory notes, sea salt, and penetrating acidity minerality, but not much fruit. On the palate it's ample, with very ripe cherry fruit supported by moderate acidity and some greenish notes; the tannins are warm and have a slight burr, and flow into a dry tannic finish. It's very young in a fairly traditional key, but I would have liked more brightness and verve, and a touch more fullness. It may do nice things with times, but the dryness of the finish is worrisome.
2 stars

Germano Ettore Prapò Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with floral accents, spice, berry fruit, some duskiness, jammy notes, and some bell pepper On the palate it's full, with bright cherry fruit supported by berry fruit acidity and dusky tannins that flow into a greenish berry fruit finish with warm tannic underpinning. Nice depth though quite young, in a fairly traditional key, and will become ethereal with time
2 stars

Germano Ettore Serralunga Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. Rustic nose, with balsamic accents, wet stable straw, some wet leather, lathered horse, some bramble, and rosa canina, On the palate it's savory, with sour cherry fruit supported by tannins that have some stable straw accents to them and flow into a fairly long tannic finish with mineral accents. Old style taken to extremes, and you have to like the style to enjoy the wine. If you do (and I rather did) you will enjoy it and it will become ethereal with time.
1 star

Gigi Rosso Airone Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections and cherry rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, with berry fruit supported by spice and some minerality; with slight greenish peppery accents and peppery spice. Pleasant. On the palate it's full, with bright fresh cherry fruit supported by deft berry fruit acidity and smooth sweet tannins that have considerable structure and a youthful burr, it flows into a moderately long berry fruit finish. Still coming together in a fairly traditional key, and will improve.
2 stars

Grimaldi Bruna Badarina Barolo DOCG 2007

Almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, and spicy, with red berry fruit supported by mentholated greenish accents, some cedar, and slight scalded milk. On the palate it's full, with bright ripe cherry fruit supported by berry fruit acidity, slight minerality, and tannins that are warm and have a youthful burr, flowing into a rather bitter finish in which some cedar emerges. Very young -- it needs a couple of years -- in a middle of the road and may become quite interesting with time.
2 stars

Grimaldi Bruna Bricco Ambrogio Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep slightly brownish almandine with black reflections. The bouquet is powerful, and a bit cooked, with berry fruit and cedar mingled with brambly accents and hints of camphor, nose tingling acidity, and some spice; the fruit is eclipsed by acidity and bramble On the palate it's ample and rich, with bright cherry raspberry fruit on outset that's fairly sweet, supported by berry fruit acidity, and by moderately intense tannins that are fairly sweet.
2 stars

Grimaldi Bruna Camilla Barolo DOCG 2007

Brownish almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with berry fruit and some greenish notes, slight camphor, cedar, and considerable greenish spice. On the palate it's full, with rather greenish berry fruit supported by moderate berry fruit acidity, spice, and tannins that are smooth, flowing into a clean fresh finish that displays nice depth and elegance.
2 stars

Manzone Paolo Serralunga Barolo DOCG 2007

Slightly brownish almandine with black reflections, and almandine rim paling to orange. It looks older than it is. The bouquet is eye opening, with bell peppers, old leather, menthol, some pee (of the human variety), some vegetal notes, and as it opens some of the animal notes fade in favor of unusually floral aromatics reminiscent of Ruché. On the palate it's empty and sweet, with berry fruit that again brings Ruché to mind, supported by tannins that are rather splintery and by moderate acidity. Odd.
1 star

Manzone Paolo Meirame Barolo DOCG 2007

Black almandine with black reflections, slight browning at the rim. The bouquet is intense and quite oaky, with clean cedar of the barrel slat variety, some spice, and not much fruit. On the palate it's full, with richer than expected berry fruit supported by jammy berry fruit acidity that has slight candied accents, and tannins that are monolithic and cedar laced but not dry, flows into a cedar and berry fruit finish. New style, and needs time for the nose to come together and emerge. If it follows the palate be pleasant in a modern key.
2 stars

Massolino Vigna Rionda Parussi Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with berry fruit supported by greenish accents and some spice, and also some cedar. On the palate it's bright, with fresh cherry fruit supported by deft acidity, and by fairly light, deft tannins with some mineral underpinning that flow into a clean mineral cherry finish with tannic underpinning.
2 stars

Massolino Vigna Rionda Margheria Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is vegetal, with greenish accents, some spice, leaf tobacco, and duskiness. On the palate it's full, with jammy cherry fruit supported by moderate berry fruit acidity and tannins that have sweet vanilla accents, and flow into a fairly long tannic vanilla laced finish with lasting bitterness and some underlying sweetness. The fruit is a little more tired than I might have liked.
1 star

Massolino Vigna Rionda Parafada Barolo DOCG 2007

An IGP Selection
Almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with powerful rosa canina mingled with leaf tobacco and green leather, and underlying spice. Deft in a traditional key. On the palate it's bright, with bright cherry fruit supported by deft berry fruit acidity and by tannins that have a youthful splintery burr and flow into a warm tannic finish with underlying berry fruit. Pleasant in a traditional key, and if you like the style you will enjoy it.
2 stars

Palladino Serralunga Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, with leaf tobacco and leather supported by nose tingling spice, some smoke, and brambles with some sweetish accents. Pleasant. On the palate it's bright, with lively sour cherry fruit supported by tannins that have slight peppery accents, and by fairly bright sour berry fruit acidity that flows into a peppery black pepper finish. Pleasant but very young in a traditional key, needs another year to get its bearings.
2 stars

Palladino Parafada Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim paling to orange. The bouquet is moderately intense, and brambly, with some leather, acidity, savory accents, and bramble, but not much fruit. On the palate it's fairly rich, with moderate berry fruit supported by peppery accents that carry into a decidedly tannic finish. I found it lacking in verve and oomph.
1 star

Pio Cesare Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections. The bouquet is powerful, with intense cedar and some leather, penetrating, like a person in your face, but not too pleasant. On the palate it's dry, with moderate berry fruit supported by tannins that have a bitter cedar laced burr that becomes splintery in the finish.
1 star

Pio Cesare Ornato Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with candied berry fruit with some cedar and slight greenish accents, and fairly intense spice; it's charged in a ripe key. On the palate it's full, and ripe, with cherry plum fruit supported by warm tannins that have a cedary burr and moderate acidity, flowing into a greenish fairly dry tannic finish. Youth but also extraction from oak. If you like the style, which is ripe but red more than plum fruit, and like extraction you will enjoy it. I found it oaky.
2 stars

Porro Guido Lazzairasco Barolo DOCG 2007

An IGP Selection
Almandine with black reflections and almandine rim; it's paler than some. The bouquet is rich, with mentholated berry fruit with vegetal accents, bell peppers, spice, some rosa canina, some leaf tobacco, some nose tingling acidity and slight wet leather. Comes across as airy. On the palate it's fresh, with rich sour cherry fruit supported by lively berry fruit acidity and by tannins that are smooth and fairly rich, deft. Graceful in a middle of the road key, with pleasant richness of fruit, revolves more around finesse than power, and if you like the style you will enjoy it.
2 stars

Porro Guido S. Caterina Barolo DOCG 2007

An IGP Selection
Almandine with black reflections, almandine rim, and bright ruby reflections too. The bouquet is fairly intense, and jammy with greenish accents and berry fruit, some menthol, some heather, and considerable spice, nutmeg in particular. On the palate it's quite ripe, with berry fruit that has some plum (ripe, not prune) accents and a cheeky slightly vegetal feel, and is supported by moderate acidity and tannins that have a peppery burr, flowing into a bright finish with ripe fruit and moderate tannins. I'd have liked a little more depth and verve to the tannins, which do dry some, and need a year to fold in. This said, it will age nicely, in a pleasant middle of the road key, and displays considerable potential
2 stars

Rivetto Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is moderately intense, with spice and some fruit, but more nose tingling acidity, and if one insists plum and greenish accents. Closed. Brooding. Big. On the palate it's ample and soft, with ripe cherry plum fruit supported by moderate acidity, ample tannins that are smooth with a greenish burr and flow into a fairly long full finish. If you like the style you will enjoy it, but you have to like the style.
2 stars

Schiavenza Serralunga Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections. The bouquet is rich, with mentholated rosa canina, floral notes, leaf tobacco, and some underlying berry fruit. On the palate it's bright, and rich, with pleasant berry fruit supported by smooth sweet tannins and brisk mineral acidity. Deft in a fairly traditional key, and has quite a bit to say.
2 stars

Schiavenza Broglio Barolo DOCG 2007

Lively almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with leather and leaf tobacco mingled with some floral accents, and as it opens cedar. On the palate it's fairly rich, in a middle of the road key, with bright cherry fruit supported by lively cherry acidity and by tannins that are fairly splintery, a factor of youth, and flow into a clean rather bitter finish with a peppery tannic underpinning. It needs time, at least a year, and will be pleasant in a fairly rich key.
2 stars

Schiavenza Prapò Barolo DOCG 2007

An IGP Selection
Bright almandine ruby with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is deft, with berry fruit and some red berry fruit supported by leather, leaf tobacco, some rosa canina, and pleasant spice. Elegant. On the palate it's bright, with lively red berry fruit supported by deft berry fruit acidity and tannins that are smooth and fresh, and flow into a clean savory finish with tannic underpinning. Elegant, and will drink very well with foods; it also has considerable aging potential and will do interesting things with time.
2 stars

Sciavenza Bricco Bricco Cerretta Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with cherry plum fruit supported by pleasant floral accents, hints of violets and rosa canina, some menthol, and spice. Nice balance and depth, quite fresh. On the palate it's bright, with mentholated berry fruit supported by bright berry fruit acidity -- some raspberry and some plum -- and by tannins that have a slight splintery burr that emerges powerfully in the finish. Quite fresh, but the tannins need time to fold in. I'd expect it to age well, improving and becoming ethereal with time
2 stars

Sebaste Mauro Prapò Barolo DOCG 2007

An IGP Selection Deep almandine with black reflections almandine rim. The bouquet is powerful, and rich, with greenish vegetal notes, berry fruit, spice, leaf tobacco some greenish cedar, alcohol, and quite intense nose tingling spice. On the palate it's full, with moderately intense cherry plum fruit -- I had expected more -- supported by moderate acidity and tannins that are moderately intense, and have a splintery burr with some chocolaty accents. Given the nose I had expected somewhat more on the palate, but it is still very young and coming together.
2 stars

Three 2007 Barbaresco Wines

Fontanafredda Rubin Barbaresco DOCG 2007

Lively almandine ruby with brilliant reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fresh, with some menthol and some greenish accents, spice, moderate berry fruit, and some brambles; nice depth in a more delicate key. On the palate it's bright, with lively cherry fruit supported by deft berry fruit acidity and tannins that are warm and have a slight splintery burr, flowing into a tannic finish with lasting warmth and some cocoa; it's still quite young, and needs another couple of years. Expect it to be middle of the road key, and it has considerable potential
2 stars

Rizzi Rizzi Barbaresco DOCG 2007

An IGP Selection
Almandine with ruby reflections and almandine rim; it's paler than many. The bouquet is moderately intense, with rosa canina, mineral notes, some red berry fruit, fairly bright acidity that has hints of tamarind too, and raspberry. On the palate it's bright, with lively cherry fruit supported by sour berry fruit acidity and tannins that have a warm splintery burr and flow into a bright slightly tannic finish. Graceful and very young; it needs 3-5 years.
2 stars

Rizzi Boito Barbaresco DOCG 2007

An IGP Selection
Lively almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, and rather metallic at first swish, with nose tingling spice and some wet tree bark, tamarind, tartness, green leather, spice. Opens nicely in a very austere key. On the palate it's full, and rich (without the austerity noted on the nose), with pleasingly ripe cherry fruit supported by smooth sweet tannins and moderate berry fruit acidity, which flow into a clean fairly bright berry fruit finish. Pleasant, with nice depth; it's not quite as bright as the Rizzi, but is quite approachable.
2 stars

2006 Barbaresco

Montaribaldi Ricu Barbaresco DOCG 2006

Leathery almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is a bit more tired, with moderate berry fruit and some savory accents, plum cherry fruit and some spice; it's fairly mature and there are balsamic accents as well. On the palate it's ample and soft, with moderately intense plum cherry fruit supported by cedar-laced tannins that are quite dry, and flow into a rather bitter very tannic finish.
1 star

2004 Barbaresco

Cortese Giuseppe Rabajà Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2004

Lively ruby with bright reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is rustic, with balsamic notes and wet stable straw mingled with some coffee grounds, spice. Powerful and particular. On the palate it's full, smooth, fairly rich, with bright berry fruit supported by tart berry fruit acidity and by tannins that are smooth and fairly sweet, and flow into a fairly long tart finish. Mature, and if you like the style, which is fairly rustic on the nose, you will enjoy it. But you have to like the style, which is decidedly not modern.
2 stars

A Few Older Barolos

2006 Barolo

Cascina del Monastero Bricco Riund Barolo DOCG 2006

Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, with rosa canina and spice mingled with some minerality and dusky accents, and some berry fruit and wet leaves; it is clearly a little older but pleasant. On the palate it's ample and smooth, bright berry fruit supported by savory notes and tannins that are warm and rather salty, flow into a clean savory finish with tart berry fruit underpinning, Powerful, the tannins are steelier than those of the 07's, with nice depth: a good food wine that will work well with a hearty stew, and also age well.
2 stars

Gagliasso Barolo Riserva DOCG 2005

Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is moderately intense, cedar laced, and fairly bright, with some mint, leather and leaf tobacco. Nice depth. On the palate it's quite pleasant, with ripe cherry fruit supported by smooth sweet tannins and by deft sour berry fruit acidity with raspberry accents. Nice depth and elegance.
2 stars

Oddero Poderi e Cantine Vigna Rionda Barolo 2005 DOCG

Deep black almandine with black reflections. The bouquet is bright and mentholated, with some minerality and bright berry fruit acidity. On the palate it's bright, with lively berry fruit supported by oak bark-laced acidity and by tannins that are fresh and quite dry, and flow into a warm fresh berry fruit finish. Pleasant, and will drink quite well with foods, the tannins are dry and aggressive, and if you like the style you will enjoy it considerably.
2 stars

Oddero Poderi e Cantine Collaretto Langhe Bianco DOC 2009

Pale brassy yellow with brassy greenish reflections. The bouquet is bright, and vegetal, with nice acidity, slight minerality, greenish notes, heather, and bramble On the palate it's smooth, rather languid, with white fruit supported by languid citric acidity, flowing into some heather and mint in the finish. Pleasant in a fairly direct key
1 star

Oddero Poderi e Cantine Cascina Fiori Moscato D'Asti DOC 2010

Pale brassy white with fine perlage. Rich sweet nose, with peaches, honey, honeydew melon -- it's almost chewy in its sweetness -- and apricots, a cornucopia On the palate it's full, and sweet, with pleasant honeydew melon supported by moderate citric acidity -- enough to keep it alive -- and sweetness, while the sparkle provides depth and elegance. Quite pleasant in a rather honey laced key.
2 stars

IGP Tastings: 2007 Barolo From Barolo, Monforte and Castiglione Falletto

The third day of the Giovani Promettenti's tastings at Wellcom's offices in Alba opened with wines from the town of Barolo (from whence the wine Barolo draws its name), followed by those of Castiglione Falletto and Monforte.

To begin with Barolo, we much enjoyed the elegance and roundness of the tannins and the readiness of some of the wines, though Alcohol continues to be a distinctive marker for the vintage, and in some of the wines is over the top.

Castiglione Falletto's wines showed the best, thanks to elegance that doesn't (as all too often happens) come at the expense of power, and also to considerable freshness that always plays a part in making wines ready to drink from the outset.

With Monforte, we had quibbles that we hope will fade with time. At present the 2007 Monforte wines seem to be mostly about immediate impact, with little thought for the future, though we are certain that this impression will fade as they develop.

Immediately after the tasting (and before unmasking the bottles, which we tasted blind) we talked about the wines and selected the 12 (out of 66) that impressed us all, publishing the list immediately. Here you will find the tasting notes for all the wines we tasted, in the order they were poured.

Wines from the Comune of Barolo

Abbona Marziano Terlo Ravera Barolo DOCG

Deep cherry ruby with black reflections. The bouquet is vinous, with some berry fruit and moderate spice, supported by bramble, warmth, alcohol, some cedar, and nose tingling acidity. Quite young. On the palate it's full, with the directness of youth, displaying fairly bright berry fruit supported by cedary tannins and warmth, with moderate acidity that flows into a fairly long dry tannic finish with greenish cedar accents. It's very young, in a middle of the road key, with a fair amount of alcohol, and also oak that will fold in with time.
2 stars

Barone Riccardi Sarmassa Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is muted, though swishing brings up some alcohol with slight berry fruit, slight cedar, and hints of tar, rosa canina and dried flowers as opens. On the palate it's full, and rather languid, with ripe fruit supported by minerality; the tannins are smooth, fairly soft, and moderately rich. A more delicate interpretation that favors finesse over power; it needs time.
2 stars

Borgogno F.lli S&B Cannubi Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black cherry ruby with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is brighter than some and fairly intense, with greenish cedar, leaf tobacco, some spice, and greenish leaf tobacco. It's young, and doesn't display much fruit. On the palate it's tannic, with warmth and cedar more than fruit, flowing into a cedary finish. I found it overly oaked.
1 star

Borgogno Francesco Vigna Brunate Barolo DOCG 2007

Lively almandine ruby with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fresh, bright, and vegetal with some bell pepper and red berry fruit mingled with dusky graphite shaving bitterness and spice. Nice complexity in a youthful key. On the palate it's bright, with lively acidity and tart berry fruit supported by tannins that are warm, and have a youthful burr, flowing into a warm tart finish. Lots of acidity, and the wine will be long lived in a brash key. If you like the style you will enjoy it.
2 stars

Brezza Bricco Sarmassa Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is moderately intense, with some berry fruit, some greenish accents, spice, rhubarb, floral acents, and slight laundry soap. On the palate it's medium bodied and more mineral than acidic, with moderately intense berry fruit supported by minerality and dry splintery tannins that flow into a mineral tannic finish. The fruit falls out in mid stride, and I found myself wishing there were more. It may do interesting things in the future, because the interaction between tannin and minerality is interesting.
1 star

Brezza Sarmassa Barolo DOCG 2007

An IGP Selection
Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, with floral accents and berry fruit mingled with graphite shaving bitterness, some dark chocolate, spice, alcohol, leaf tobacco, and all supporting tart acidity and moderate berry fruit On the palate it's fairly rich, bright berry fruit supported by smooth tannins and fairly tart berry fruit acidity, the tannins have slight burr and underlying mineral warmth, and flow into a clean bright slightly tannic finish with lasting fruit. Pleasant in a fairly traditional key.
2 stars

Brezza Cannubi Barolo DOCG 2007

An IGP Selection Deep black almandine with black reflections almandine rim. The bouquet has berry fruit supported by cedar, some prune, greenish vegetal accents, some spice, and alcohol; it's brooding, in an airy sort of way, and also in mid stride. On the palate it's bright, with moderately intense sour cherry fruit supported by mineral acidity and by dry slightly splintery tannins that lead into a long mineral finish with dry tannic underpinning moderate fruit, and considerable warmth. It's pleasant in a scrappy mineral key, and will be long lived, becoming ethereal. If you like the style you will enjoy it very much.
2 stars

Ceretto Bricco Rocche Brunate Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine ruby with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is moderately intense, with cedar and some spice, warmth, some alcohol, not much fruit. Rather, greenish accents and heather with warmth, slight leather, and hints iodine. On the palate it's ample, with moderate plum cherry fruit supported by dry tannins and by brighter than expected mineral sour berry fruit acidity tart enough to bring to mind green grapes, flows into a long clean finish.
2 stars

Ceretto Zonchera Barolo DOCG 2007

An IGP Selection
Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, with balsam, mint, red berry fruit, some rhubarb, licorice root, slight brown sugar, and warmth. On the palate it's ample, smooth, and riper than some, with cherry plum fruit supported by moderately intense tannins that are smooth, and flow into a warm tannic finish supported by moderate acidity. I'd have liked a little more force to the tannins, but it does display pleasing grace and finesse.
2 stars

Comm. G. B. Burlotto Vigneti Cannubi Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, with floral accents and leaf tobacco mingled with sea salt and herbs that bring gravy to mind, warmth, some vegetal accents, and spice. On the palate it's full, with ripe cherry plum fruit supported by plum acidity and tannins that are smooth and moderately intense, flow into a warm plum cherry finish with deft tannic underpinning. Quite young, but promises well.
2 stars

Fenocchio Giacomo Cannubi Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is rich, with cherry fruit that has some jammy accents spice, vegetal notes, some leather, and slight leaf tobacco. Graceful. On the palate it's quite (unexpectedly, even) dry, with moderate fruit supported by tongue drying tannins that flow into a cedary finish with moderate minerality. I found it overly dry on the palate. A pity, because the nose is pleasant.
1 star

Gagliardo Cannubi Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is powerful, and penetrating, with dusky greenish leather and some animal notes mingled with wood that is slightly musty, vegetal notes, and not much fruit. On the palate it's ripe, with greenish prune fruit supported by sweetness from alcohol and considerable cedar; it has a candied feel to it, a headache in the making, and flows into a cherry plum finish that's fairly sweet. Lots of quite ripe fruit with considerable oak, and if you like the style you will enjoy it. But you do have to like the style.
1 star

Marchesi di Barolo Cannubi Barolo DOCG 2007

An IGP Selection
Poured pyrope ink. The bouquet is powerful, with jammy prune fruit floral accents and spice; casting PC aside it's a busty starlet in a glass, juicy and luscious. On the palate it's ample, soft, sweet, with berry fruit supported by moderate acidity and tannins that are smooth and have a slight youthful cedary burr. Seductive in a ripe key and if you like the style you will much enjoy it.
2 stars

Marchesi di Barolo Coste di Rose Barolo DOCG

An IGP Selection Deep pyrope with black cherry rim. The bouquet is ripe, with plum cherry fruit supported by sweetness, some acidity, slight greenish vegetal accents, heather, hints of leaf tobacco, and floral notes. A seductive starlet in a glass. On the palate it's ample and soft, with rich plum cherry fruit supported by smooth sweet berry fruit acidity and smooth sweet tannins that flow into a warm berry fruit finish, where the tannins reveal a certain greenish dryness. Pleasant, in a rich ripe fruit key, but needs a year or two.
2 stars

Marchesi di Barolo Sarmassa Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep pyrope with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet has berry fruit and plum cherry fruit supported by moderate acidity, greenish vegetal accents, some spice, and some alcohol; it's quite swank. On the palate it's ample, with rich cherry plum fruit supported by deft mineral acidity and by tannins that are warm and slightly savory, flow into a clean tannic finish Pleasant in a brash ripe key, and this is an odd combination, but it works.
2 stars

Poderi Einaudi Terlo Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet has cedar, spice, warmth, some berry fruit with deft underlying berry fruit acidity, and opens nicely. On the palate it's bright, with lively cherry fruit supported by bright berry fruit acidity and by smooth sweet tannins that have a slight burr, and flow into a clean fresh berry fruit finish with tannic underpinning. Pleasant in a bright middle of the road key.
2 stars

Poderi Einaudi Costa Grimaldi Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, with berry fruit, cherries, some greenish accents, spice, and some alcohol. On the palate it's fairly bright, lively cherry fruit supported by smooth berry fruit acidity and spice. Very tannic finish. It's middle of the road in style, and needs at least a couple of years.
2 stars

Poderi Einaudi Nei Cannubi Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. Charged. The bouquet is fairly intense, with alcohol, cedar, moderate berry fruit, spice, and alcohol; despite its power there's not much fruit. On the palate it's full, with dusky berry fruit and plums supported by alcohol and greenish tannins, flows into a warm berry fruit finish with quite a bit of alcohol, dry slightly greenish tannins carry into a greenish tannic finish.
1 star

Terre da Vino Essenze Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly green, with cedar and some plum cherry fruit supported by warmth and spice; it's fairly direct and this is in part youth. On the palate it's ample, with rich plum cherry fruit supported by crushed cherry acidity and tannins that are warm and smooth, flow into a clean savory finish. Pleasant, in a fairly direct key, and has a pleasing brashness to it, tomboyish in a ripe key, which is a trick to do but works here. The Italian word that comes to mind is ruffiano, which translates as ingratiating in the way scamps can be.
2 stars

Terre da Vino Paesi Tuoi Barolo DOCG 2007

Lively cherry ruby with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is rich, floral, and quite fresh for a Barolo, with spice, some greenish vegetal accents, plum prune fruit, some cedar, slight graphite shavings, and alcohol. On the palate it's ample and fairly sweet, with cherry plum fruit supported by moderate acidity and smooth sweet tannins that have a greenish burr, and flow into a clean plum berry fruit finish. A pleasantly savory wine with nice depth. It's very young, needs a year or two.
2 stars

Vajra G. D. Bricco Viole Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, and vegetal, with prunes, some pepper, slight alcoholic sweetness, and spice; there's nice balance in a ripe but not overripe key, On the palate it's rich, with dusky cherry prune fruit supported by prune acidity and warmth; the tannins are warm and fairly sweet, with a slight burr, and flow into a prune plum finish with a greenish vegetal tannic underpinning. Pleasant in a brash key, with acidity that does a nice job of supporting quite ripe fruit. Expect it to also be long lived.
2 stars

Vajra G. D. Albe Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is complex, with alcohol, leaf tobacco, camphor, some vegetal notes, berry fruit, slight petroleum, and spice; a fellow taster finds truffles instead of petroleum, and another lathered horse. Differing associations. On the palate it's full, with moderately intense plum cherry fruit that's fairly sweet supported by smoky tannic accents and acidity that flow into a moderately dry tannic finish. I found it a bit dry, though this is also a factor of youth.
2 stars

Virna di Borgogno Cannubi Boschis Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine -- poured ink -- with almandine rim. The bouquet is oaky, with dusky cedar and greenish accents, alcohol, spice, and some prune fruit; it's penetrating, savory, and I would have liked more fruit. On the palate it's fairly rich, and ready, with plum cherry fruit supported by dusky cedar from the tannins that colors the fruit, and there is also cocoa in the finish A heavily oaked wine, young and ripe, and if you like the style you will enjoy it, but I found oak and chocolate from oak to impinge.
1 star

Virna di Borgogno Preda Sarmassa Barolo DOCG 2007

An IGP Selection
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, with violets, berry fruit some spice, and greenish accents, and is pleasant though coming together. On the palate it's full, and rich, with bright berry fruit supported by deft berry fruit acidity and tannins that are a touch dry, and this is a factor of youth; they flow into a fairly long cherry finish with deft tannic underpinning. Graceful, and will also age nicely for a decade at least. Give it at least 2 years before opening it.
2 stars

Wines from the Commune of Castiglione Falletto

Fenocchio Giacomo Villero Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black cherry ruby with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet has cherry fruit with some berry fruit, spice, greenish accents, acidity, and some candied fruit - jammy accents. On the palate it's pleasant, with ripe cherry fruit supported by deft acidity and tannins that are smooth and fairly rich, flow into a fairly long clean tannic finish.
2 stars

Boroli Villero Barolo DOCG 2007

Almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is moderately intense and quite oaky, with cedar, some berry fruit, and greenish accents; though the fruit does emerge oak predominates. On the palate it's fairly bright, with cherry fruit apparent in the attack, but then overshadowed by cedary oaky tannins that cover all, blanketing it in warmth. Oak in a glass.
1 star

Boroli Barolo DOCG 2007

Almandine with black reflections and almandine rim tending to orange. The bouquet is moderately intense, with berry fruit tartness and some vegetal accents, greenish notes, hints Marsiglia laundry soap, and spice. On the palate it's ample and fairly direct, with sour berry fruit supported by tannins that flow into a dry tannic finish; I found it overly tannic on palate and tongue drying. This in a tasting situation. There is nice acidity however, and it will work better with foods -- rich roasts and stews, in particular -- than some of the other wines we tasted, and may do interesting things with time
2 stars

Bricco Boschis Cavallotto Bricco Boschis Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, and greenish, with spice and peppery accents, black pepper, moderate berry fruit, and slight rubber; it's penetrating and slightly musty. On the palate it's fairly bright, with cherry fruit supported by tannins that are slight dry, and moderate berry fruit acidity, and flow into a fairly bright tannic finish with nice acidity. Needs time,
2 stars

Ceretto Bricco Rocche Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, and dusky, with animal notes, some leather, hardwood ash, considerable alcohol, and greenish notes with some burnt cork. On the palate it's ample and quite ripe, with smooth plum fruit supported by moderate berry fruit acidity and smooth sweet tannins that flow into a clean fresh fairly tart finish.
2 stars

Fontana Livia Barolo DOCG 2007

An IGP Selection
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is powerful, and aromatic, with petroleum, intense berry fruit, greenish vegetal accents, leather, spice, licorice root, rhubarb, and considerable alcohol. On the palate it's ample with fairly rich cherry plum fruit supported by moderate berry fruit acidity, and by tannins that are smooth and slightly greenish, with petroleum accents. Modern in style, and if you like the style you will enjoy it. But give it time.
2 stars

Fontana Livia Villero Barolo DOCG 2007

An IGP Selection Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is powerful, with greenish leaf tobacco, spice, cedar, some berry fruit and quite a bit of alcohol with underlying hardwood ash. Pleasant. On the palate it's full, with rich berry fruit supported by smooth sweet tannins and moderate acidity, flows into a clean slightly greenish tannic finish. Pleasant, though the tannins aren't quite as powerful as they might be. It compensates for this with elegance and richness. A touch too ready say, the others at the moment of tasting, but I found myself enjoying it and we did select it.
2 stars

Oddero Poderi e Cantine Villero Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is intense, with alcohol, dusky notes, plum fruit, nose tingling acidity, oak, peppery black pepper spice, some vegetal accents, and plum cherry fruit. On the palate it's ample with moderately rich plum fruit supported by minerality more than acidity, and by tannins that are blocky and cedar laced, flowing into a cedary finish. There as nice fruit but oak is overshadowing it; it may emerge with time and I would wait a couple of years on it, as it may do interesting things.
1 star

Sobrero Francesco Ciabot Tanasio Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine. The bouquet is animal with smoky accents, and frankly rustic, with wet stable straw as it opens. On the palate it's fairly bright, with lively cherry fruit supported by bright berry fruit acidity and by tannins that are smooth, and flow into a warm berry fruit finish in which some of the rustic elements of the nose emerge. It's particular, and if you like the style you will enjoy it. But you have to like rustic wines.
2 stars

Sordo Giovanni Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with cherry fruit supported by berry fruit acidity and some vegetal notes, slight berry fruit jam and spice. Nice depth. On the palate it's ample, with fairly bright berry fruit supported by moderate berry fruit acidity and by tannins that are smooth and fairly sweet. Though I liked the nose, I found the palate somewhat lacking in verve.
2 stars

Sordo Giovanni Rocche di Castiglione Barolo DOCG 2007

An IGP Selection
Lively almandine ruby with cherry rim. The bouquet is rich, with lively berry fruit supported by raspberries and floral accents, some vegetal notes, and nice acidity; there's nice balance and depth. On the palate it's bright, with fresh lively cherry raspberry fruit supported by smooth sweet tannins and raspberry acidity that flow into a warm sour berry fruit acidity. Quite pleasant, and will drink very well with roasts or stews.
2 stars

Sordo Giovanni Parussi Barolo DOCG 2007

An IGP Selection Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, with greenish accents, fairly rich berry fruit, and some spice; it displays nice depth and complexity. On the palate it's bright, with lively cherry raspberry fruit supported by smooth sweet berry fruit acidity and by tannins that are deft and smooth, with a slight burr, flow into a clean bright berry fruit finish. Enjoyable.
2 stars

Terre del Barolo Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections. The bouquet is dusky, with cedar that's not completely clean, and greenish accents, but not much fruit. The palate reflects the nose, with greenish cedar-laced berry fruit supported by cedary tannins that flow into a fairly green finish.
1 star

Wines from the Commune of Monforte d'Alba

Abbona Marziano Pressenda Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections - poured ink. The bouquet is powerful and frankly oaky, with considerable cedar that overshadows moderate berry fruit, and some goudron. A lot of oak, which conditions the wine. On the palate it's powerful, with peppery tannins and cherry fruit that's more intense supported by moderate acidity and peppery tannins that flow into a peppery finish. Quite aggressive in an oaky key; it needs time.
1 star

Amalia Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections almandine rim. The bouquet is powerful, with quite a bit of youthful oak mingled with spice, and a fair amount of alcohol, and underlying fruit. On the palate it's bright, with fairly rich cherry fruit supported by sour berry fruit acidity and by tannins that are bright and fairly dry, with spicy peppery accents, and flows into a fairly long sour berry fruit finish with tannic underpinning. It has considerable potential but needs a couple of years to get its bearings. A wine to wait for.
2 stars

Ascheri Pisapola Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep pyrope with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is spicy, with greenish accents, some berry fruit, bell peppers, some licorice root, and dusky shade. On the palate it's fairly rich, with moderately intense cherry fruit overshadowed by bitter cedar laced tannins and some mineral acidity; the finish is decidedly tannic with languid berry fruit supported more by minerality than acidity, while the tannins overshadow all. It's frankly unready.


Batasiolo Bofani Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is moderately intense, with some berry fruit supported by dusky notes, cedar, some wet leather, alcohol, and some spice. On the palate it's bright, with decidedly tannic fruit supported by aggressive peppery tannins, fruit is cherry, but the peppery spice of the tannins overshadows it all, and it flows into a peppery tannic finish. It's frankly underage, and needs time to come together.
1 star

Bolmida Silvano Bussia Barolo DOCG 2007

An IGP Selection Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is rich and fresh, with violets and berry fruit supported by some greenish accents, acidity, and spice. On the palate it's fresh, with violet-laced plum cherry fruit supported by tannins that have a splintery burr of youth, and flow into a clean bright finish, while the acidity is pleasant and rather cheeky. Quite pleasant, in a tomboyish key.
2 stars

Bolmida Silvano Vigne dei Fantini Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections. The bouquet is funky and penetrating, with smoke and a certain mustiness; as it opens some floral accents emerge however. On the palate it's ample, with fairly rich cherry plum fruit supported by moderate mineral acidity, with smooth, glancing tannins and some violets in the finish. Fairly direct and up front.
1 star

Cascina Ballarin Bussia Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, and jammy, with some berry fruit and berry fruit jam, plum-prune-grape, also some greenish vegetal accents. On the palate it's quite ripe, with plum cherry fruit supported by fairly sweet tannins and minerality more than acidity, though what comes though is the sweetness, and flow s into a fairly long finish. Lots of very ripe fruit, with sweetness derived in part from alcohol, and it's a wine that you will like if you like the style.
2 stars

Cascina Chicco Rocche Castelletto Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is smoky and savory, with some spice but not much fruit; it gives an impression of being in a holding pattern. On the palate it's pleasant, with fairly rich cherry fruit supported by moderate mineral acidity and smooth sweet tannins that flow into a clean fresh berry fruit finish. I'd have liked a little more acidity, but it does have pleasing fruit freshness and richness.
2 stars

Conterno Franco C. Sciulin Bussia Munie Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine -- poured ink -- with almandine rim. The bouquet has cherry fruit supported by cedar and greenish accents, spice, and some smoky notes too. On the palate it's ample and soft, with rich cherry plum fruit supported by moderate slightly milky acidity and by tannins that are smooth and sweet; it's pleasing in a ripe but not overripe international key.
2 stars

Conterno Franco C. Sciulin Pugnane Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with berry fruit supported by spicy jammy notes; more than one fellow taster finds toffees, and it is sweet in any case, and ripe. On the palate it's ripe, with cherry plum fruit supported by nice berry fruit acidity and by tannins that are rather dry, and flow into a clean bright tannic finish. Quite international with pleasant richness of fruit, and if you like the style you will enjoy it.
2 stars

Conterno Paolo Riva del Bric Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is muted, though swishing brings up some smoke, berry fruit, penetrating spice, and some acidity. On the palate it's ripe, with cherry plum fruit supported by dry tannins that display considerable oak and flow into a tannic finish. Oaky.
1 star

Conterno Paolo Ginestra Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, with alcohol, tannic accents, ripe berry fruit, some prunes, some spice, and cedar. On the palate it's ample, with rich cherry prune fruit that draws up quickly, finishing with tannins that are dry and cut the fruit off, and a fair amount of alcohol; there is some mineral acidity too, but it really just comes up short.
1 star

Costa di Bussia Campo dei Buoi Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep pigeon blood ruby with cherry rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, with plum cherry fruit supported by some greenish accents, cedar, and slight graphite shavings. On the palate it's fill and ripe, with rich plum cherry fruit supported by smooth sweet tannins that flow into a rather green fairly long cedar laced finish. It's tending towards a riper style, and is pleasant, but you have to like the style.
2 stars

Fenocchio Giacomo Bussia Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and some violet highlights. The bouquet is fresh, in a candied way, with toffees called "caramella mou" in Italian, sweetness, some berry fruit and berry fruit jam, and a fair amount of alcohol. On the palate it's ample, soft, and smooth, with fairly intense cherry plum fruit supported by violets; the tannins are smooth and slightly splintery, and flow into a clean finish with slight graphite shaving bitterness.
2 stars

Giacosa F.lli Vigna Mandorlo Barolo DOCG

Deep black almandine with black reflections and violet rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with greenish plum accents and some spice; considerable ripeness in a charged key. On the palate it's full, and ripe, with fairly rich cherry plum fruit supported by tannins that have greenish accents and flow into a fairly long slightly greenish ripe plum cherry finish
2 stars

Giacosa F.lli Bussia Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is oaky, with a great load of cedar and some berry fruit that tries to emerge, but with little success; a fellow taster mutters about old pecorino cheese on the nose, and when he says it I realize he's right. On the palate it's moderately fruity with cherry plum fruit supported by mineral acidity and glancing tannins.
1 star

Grasso Elio Gavarini Chinerea Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is decidedly greenish with considerable lactic acid and spice; it's up in the air and not happy at being there. On the palate it's ample, with ripe berry fruit mingled with plum cherry fruit, and supported by tannins that are cedar laced and splintery, flowing into a dusky finish with greenish tannic accents. It's unready, and the nose in particular isn't working for me at this time.

Grasso Elio Ginestra Casa Matè Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is jammy, with plum-cherry fruit supported by greenish accents and some spice. Casting PC aside it's like a stacked starlet in a glass, voluptuous but also green. On the palate it's ample, with rich cherry plum fruit supported by tannins that have some scalded milk to them, and also mint, and are that are splintery (youth, and oak), while there isn't that much in the way of acidity, and it flows into a tannic finish with some plum fruit. I'd have liked somewhat defter acidity, though in its defense it is very, very young.
1 star

Parusso Armando Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections - poured ink. The bouquet is powerful, and quite aromatic, with floral richness that brings Ruché to mind; there's sweetness, rhubarb and licorice root too, and as it opens some underlying tart accents. On the palate it's full, and rich, with powerful cherry plum fruit supported by ample smooth tannins and moderate acidity that flow into a clean slightly mineral minty plum finish that's fairly long, and settles into graphite shavings bitterness. It's particular, and not what I think of as Barolo, but does have a certain grace in a very ripe key, and if you like the style you will enjoy it.
2 stars

Parusso Armando Mariondino Barolo DOCG 2007

An IGP Selection
Deep pyrope ink with almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, with greenish vegetal notes and berry fruit -- plum-cherry -- supported by some acidity; it's ripe but has acidity that gives direction, and also some quinine and spice and slight balsamic accents. On the palate it's full, with rich plum cherry fruit supported by smooth sweet tannins and mineral acidity, and flows into a clean fairly mineral finish, with some floral notes -- violets -- and that emerge. Pleasant in a powerful very ripe key, and if you like the style you will enjoy it.
2 stars

Parusso Armando Le Coste Mosconi Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, and cedar laced, with some rhubarb according to the other tasters, whereas I find cedar and cedar chest. An oaky marvel. On the palate it's ripe, with plum cherry fruit supported by cedary tannins that have greenish accents nicely integrated with fruit. The overall package is quite successful, simply a lot of oak and very ripe fruit. It would however be an anathema for traditional minded.
2 stars

Parusso Armando Bussia Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim with hints of purple. The bouquet is fairly rich, with plum fruit supported by cedar and greenish accents -- a lot of oak well balanced by rich ripe fruit. On the palate it's ample, rather tannic, with less fruit than the nose suggested and more dry oaky tannins, which flow into a very tannic splintery oaky finish. It's like licking a barrel slat.
1 star

Poderi Colla Dardi le Rosse Bussia Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black cherry ruby with black cherry reflections and cherry rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, with greenish accents and spice and underlying some prune fruit. On the palate it's ripe, and rich with fairly intense plum fruit at the outset, though the fruit then flags, giving way to dry tannins that carry into a dry tannic finish. I'd have liked greater richness of fruit to support the tannic accents.
1 star

Prunotto Bussia Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is powerful, with ripe cherry plum fruit supported by greenish tannic accents, some acidity, and pleasant spice. On the palate it's bright and fresh, with fairly rich cherry plum fruit supported by lively plum acidity and by tannins that are smooth and full, and flow into a bright plum cherry finish. Nice depth and elegance, and pleasant in the context of the style, which is fairly modern.
2 stars

Saffirio Josetta Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black cherry with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, with cedar laced tart berry fruit supported by some greenish spice and some smoky accents. On the palate it's ample and soft with fairly rich cherry plum fruit supported by tannins that are rather dry and flow into a dry tannic finish.
1 star

Saffirio Josetta Persiera Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep pyrope ink with cherry ruby rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with greenish jammy accents, leaf tobacco, some spice, and quite a bit of alcohol; the effect is rather haunting. On the palate it's fairly rich, with spicy berry fruit supported by cherry notes and acidity, while the tannins warm and cedar laced. Quite ripe.
1 star

Saffirio Josetta Francesco 1948 Barolo DOCG 2007

Impenetrable pyrope with black reflections and cherry rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, with sweetness mingled with some penetrating acidity and cedar, and also with very ripe plum berry fruit and a lot of oak. On the palate it's ample, with rich plum fruit supported by plum laced tannins and moderate acidity that flow into a plum finish. Pleasant enough in a ripe charged key.
2 stars

Simone Scaletta Chiriet Barolo DOCG 2007

Almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with floral accents and some red berry fruit supported by some vegetal notes and slight cedar; with respect to many Monforte wines it is considerably less ripe, and more towards berry fruit than plum, though there is some underlying sweetness. On the palate it's full, and fairly sweet, with cherry plum fruit supported by languid tannins and moderate acidity that flow into a warm slightly cedary finish with soft cherry accents.
2 stars

Garantito IGP and The 2007 Barolo: Novello, La Morra, and Elsewhere

The second day the IGP tastings (65 wines in the space of 4 hours, once again with the assistance of our sommeliers and the staff of Wellcom) began with Barolo of mixed origin, in other words assemblies of wines from vineyards in more than one Commune. While single vineyard wines are now all the rage, this is actually a more traditional way of doing things; as Bartolo Mascarello once said to me, "I make Barolo. Not Barolo from this vineyard or that vineyard, but Barolo from all my vineyards, because the sum is greater than the parts."

In other words, in a Barolo from the several Comuni, one might expect to the characteristics of the different Comuni, for example Serralunga's power and Novello's elegance

Speaking of the individual Comuni, the Novellisti are too few in number for one to draw reliable conclusions based just on them, but when combined with La Morra a picture of the vintage emerges, with alcohol that is often high, coupled with tannins that are in some cases disjointed, and all supported -- sometimes -- by balanced acidity. In short, it's a vintage with peaks and lows, and therefore one must choose with care.

As is always the case, however, some wines emerged, and after the tasting I posted a list of the 11 wines we all found worthy.

Here are the notes for all of the wines tasted:

Barolo from Various Comuni

Buganza Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep cherry ruby almandine rim. The bouquet has cherry fruit, vanilla, spice, alcohol, and slight jammy accents; it's fairly international. On the palate it's full and fairly rich, with moderately intense berry fruit supported by tannins that are powerfully vanilla laced, becoming splintery in the finish, which is quite oaky.
1 star

Prunotto Barolo DOCG 2007

Almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is vegetal, with peppery spice and some greenish accents; it's not funky but there's not much fruit either, though as it opens licorice root mingled with spice and some sour berry fruit emerge. On the palate it's full, with fresh sour cherry fruit supported by moderate acidity and greenish splintery tannins that flow into a long warm finish. Quite direct, in part because of youth, but its character is set.
1 star

Rattalino Massimo Trentaquattro Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep pigeon blood ruby with cherry rim and black reflections. The bouquet is somewhat animal, with hot iron, greenish notes, vegetal accents, spice, and not much fruit. On the palate it's fresh, with lively cherry fruit supported by acidity and tannins that are rather splintery (a factor of youth) and have a cedar underpinning, that flows into a warm red berry fruit finish. Fairly direct, young.
2 stars

Deltetto Sistaglia Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is closed, though swishing brings up some berry fruit coupled with some cedar, spice, dusky accents, and alcohol. On the palate it's direct, with red berry fruit supported by moderate acidity and tannins that are disconnect from the wine, especially in the finish, which becomes very tannic and dry.
1 star

Enrico Serafino Barolo DOCG 2007

Lively almandine with black reflections almandine rim. The bouquet is dusky, with prune-cherry fruit supported by some spice, some cedar, alcohol, and slight menthol. On the palate it's direct, with greenish cherry fruit supported by moderate acidity and tannins that are fairly dry, flowing into dry cedar laced finish.
1 star

Gianolio Tommaso Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim paling to orange. The bouquet is deft, with berry fruit, hints goudron, some rosa canina, spice, some alcohol, and a fellow taster finds white chocolate. Pleasant. On the palate it's a bit understated, with sour cherry fruit supported by slightly smoky acidity and tannins that are fairly smooth, though they do display a slight burr, and flow into a dusky ripe cherry-prune finish with tannic underpinning. An enjoyable wine.
2 stars

Ceste Barolo DOCG 2007

Almandine with black reflections and almandine rim paling to orange. The bouquet is muted, with berry fruit, some shellac, chocolate, confectionary (almond skins), some spice, and savory notes. On the palate it's ample and soft, with moderate berry fruit supported by moderate mineral acidity and by tannins that are splintery and flow into a fairly dry finish with dry tannic underpinning. It needs a couple of years to settle.
2 stars

Francone Vigneti Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim paling to white. The bouquet is moderately intense, with some sour berry fruit supported by greenish vegetal accents, licorice root, black pepper, and dusky shade. On the palate it's pleasant in a fairly direct key, with bright cherry and forest berry fruit supported by moderate berry fruit acidity and by tannins that have a glancing youthful burr, and flow into a fairly long berry fruit finish. Not tremendous concentration, but it has a cheeky pleasant feel to it.
2 stars

Bersano Nirvasco Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep brick almandine with black reflections and almandine rim paling to orange. The bouquet is muted, though swishing brings up some metallic accents, slight bramble, and hints of cedar that bring dried bamboo to mind; there's not much fruit. On the palate it's fairly rich, with berry fruit supported by deft acidity and by tannins that are fairly warm, with a burr that flows into a warm finish. Fairly direct.
1 star

Bonfante Marco Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, with abundant cedar and some spice, some red berry fruit and slight rosa canina mingled with some leaf tobacco and leather. Nice depth. On the palate it's medium bodied, with bright berry fruit supported by warm acidity, and by splintery tannins that flow into a warm sour berry fruit finish. It's pleasant, and rather fresh, will age nicely for a number of years.
2 stars

Giribaldi Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections and brown rim. The bouquet is rustic, with balsamic notes and wet stable straw mingled with pungency, some lathered horse, leather, and sea salt. On the palate it's ample and direct, with cherry plum fruit supported by moderate acidity that's fairly mineral, and by tannins that are fairly light and splintery, flowing into a fairly tart finish. It's traditional in feel, and I found it a bit tired.
1 star

Montaribaldi Borzoni Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with almandine rim. The bouquet is powerful and rather rustic, with animal accents and some spice. On the palate it's ample and smooth on the outset, with moderate fruit supported by tannins that become quite splintery in the finish.
1 star

Savigliano F.lli Barolo DOCG 2007

An IGP Selection
Deep black almandine with black reflections almandine rim; it's a bit richer than the others. The bouquet is fairly rich, deft, some greenish accents, some berry fruit some spice, savory accents, greenish notes vegetal aromas, green leather leaf tobacco not much fruit. On the palate it's smooth, soft fairly rich cherry fruit supported by moderate red berry fruit acidity and by tannins that are warm and smooth, but not too powerful. A delicate expression of Barolo, but pleasant, and will age nicely for 5-10 years.
2 stars

Wines from the Commune of Novello

Elvio Cogno Ravera Barolo DOCG 2007

Almandine with black reflections and almandine rim paling to orange. The bouquet opens with some red berry fruit, slight greenish accents, some cedar and some rosa canina; it's delicate and rather graceful. On the palate it's fairly bright, with youthful directness and moderate fruit supported by some acidity and by tannins that are smooth and fairly rich flow into a tannic berry fruit finish. Needs time, has a pleasant delicacy to it, but is almost a work in progress - it's stumbling about now. I would give it 3-5 years, and expect it to age well for much longer.
2 stars

Marenco Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections; it's quite dark and with hints of purple. The bouquet is fairly rich, and languid, with berry fruit with greenish accents, leather, some spice, chocolate, and alcohol; over all it's fairly bright. On the palate it's fairly rich, lively cherry fruit supported by bright berry fruit acidity, and by tannins that are smooth and have a slight splintery burr, and flow into a warm bright finish. Graceful, and quite pleasant, with nice acidity that picks it up.
2 stars

Piazzo Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections paling to pink rim. The bouquet has berry fruit, rosa canina, some spice, tar, and cherry fruit, with some alcohol, savory accents, and sea salt. Pleasant complexity, and harmonious. On the palate it's fresh, and fairly direct, with moderately intense berry fruit supported by lively slightly mineral acidity and by tannins that are smooth and warm, flowing into a clean fresh berry fruit finish.
2 stars

Cantine San Silvestro Patres Barolo DOCG 2007

An IGP Selection
Deep almandine with black reflections. The bouquet has greenish leather, leaf tobacco, spice, berry fruit, some scalded milk, heather, cherries, and savory accents. Nice complexity. On the palate it's bright, with moderately intense rich berry fruit supported by berry fruit acidity and tannins that are a bit light for a Barolo, and flow into a clean bright berry fruit finish. Light, deft, lively and will drink well with foods; it will also be fairly long lived. Not settled, but rather brash.
2 stars

Wines from the Commune of La Morra

Batasiolo Cerequio Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, with greenish leather, some leaf tobacco, languid cherry fruit and nice acidity supported by some cedar. On the palate it's ample, and a bit riper than I expected, with cherry plum fruit supported by bright sour berry fruit acidity and by tannins that are smooth and polished but not overly polished, and flow into a e warm tannic finish that's fairly long. I found it slightly lacking in concentration, but think it will in any case go places.
2 stars

Batasiolo Barolo DOCG 2007

An IGP Selection
Deep black almandine with black reflections almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, and slightly rustic, with berry fruit, balsamic notes, savory sea salt, some stable straw, cedar, leaf tobacco, and fair amount alcohol that provides warmth. On the palate it's more direct, with ripe cherry and forest berry fruit supported by rather languid acidity and tannins that are smooth, with a slight greenish burr, and flow into a warm slightly greenish tannic finish. Quite nice, and it gives something of a "come-hither" look, what is called ruffiano in Italian.
2 stars

Boroli Cerequio Barolo DOCG 2007

Almandine with black reflections almandine rim orange. The bouquet is fairly rich, with berry fruit, some chocolate, cocoa, some leaf tobacco, spice, leather, alcohol, and dried floral accents. On the palate it's bright, with ripe sour cherry fruit supported by berry fruit acidity and smooth slightly greenish tannins with peppery warmth that flow into a long warm finish with a peppery tannic underpinning.
2 stars

Bosco Agostino La Serra Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections. The bouquet has greenish accents, chalk, leaf tobacco, berry fruit, some alcohol, and some spice; it's quite young but displays nice depth. Warmth too. On the palate it's full, and fairly direct, with moderate berry fruit supported by mineral acidity and by tannins that are rather splintery and flow into a quick dry tannic finish. Though I enjoyed the nose I didn't find enough fruit to hold up the structure; it dries the palate.
1 star

Bosco Agostino Neirane Barolo DOCG 2007

Almandine with black reflections almandine rim. The bouquet is moderately intense, with berry fruit supported by some chalk, pungent alcohol, chemical accents, greenish vegetal notes, heather, cut hay, and milkweed. On the palate it's fairly rich, with leathery berry fruit supported by balsamic acidity and tannins that are warm and peppery; it's fairly rustic and flows into a long warm balsamic finish. Particular and a wine you'll like only if you like the style.
1 star

Cascina Ballarin Tre Ciabot Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is spicy, with cedar and some vegetal notes supported by alcohol, moderate berry fruit, and slight hints of rosa canina. On the palate it's brighter than the nose suggests, with moderate berry fruit supported by warmth and rather dry tannins. It's fairly international in style, with tannins that at present overshadow the fruit; I'd have liked more concentration of fruit, but it does hold together well, and in its style is pleasant.
2 stars

Cascina Ballarin Bricco Rocca Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, with berry fruit, green leather, leaf tobacco, some rosa canina, considerable cedar, spice, greenish accents, some pungency, and a fair amount of alcohol. On the palate it's dry, with moderate berry fruit supported by acidity and splintery tannins that cover all like a blanket, and shut down the wine.
1 star

Cascina del Monastero Bricco Luciani Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is powerful, and rather cooked, with plum cherry fruit supported by greenish mentholated accents and greenish spice, and some berry fruit. On the palate it's flat -- something I didn't expect -- with moderate leathery fruit supported by some acidity. I found it to lack fruit and depth, with tannins that are savory and splintery, and light. It didn't convince me.
1 star

Cascina del Monastero Annunziata Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly intense, and smoky, with red berry fruit supported by some balsamic accents, lathered horse, peppery notes, leaf tobacco, spice, iodine, and graphite shavings that bring dusky shade to mind. On the palate it's fairly rich, with moderately intense sour berry fruit supported by moderate mineral acidity, tannins and tannins that are glancing and very dry, flowing into a long dry tannic finish with hints of cherry plum fruit. The attack is nice but the wood dries it out overmuch for me.
1 star

Ciabot Berton Ciabot Berton Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is jammy, with berry fruit supported by bell pepper accents, some spice, some greenish accents, some alcohol, light tartness, and moderate acidity. On the palate it's fairly rich, with pleasant cherry plum fruit supported by moderate fairly mineral acidity and by tannins that are dry, but don't overshadow the acidity, which carries into a fairly dry mineral finish with some hints of fruit. It's still coming together and needs time; though I'd have liked a little more richness to fruit, what there is is pleasant in a slightly overripe plum key.
2 stars

Ciabot Berton Roggeri Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with berry fruit and plums, some balsamic accents, leather and spice. On the palate it's a little brighter than I expected, with cherry plum fruit supported by fairly bright berry fruit acidity and tannins that are balsamic and flow into a warm sour berry fruit finish with some balsamic accents; the palate is a stronger than the nose, and I might hope that the nose will follow it. Give it a couple of years.
2 stars

Gagliardo Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim paling to orange. The bouquet is fairly rich, with leaf tobacco and leather mingled with some berry fruit and brambly notes, and some balsamic pungency too, coupled with horse lather; as it develops it becomes rather animal and pungent. On the palate it's ample, with moderate savory fruit supported by citric acidity and tannins that are flat and splintery. It's flatter than I might have liked, and settled.
1 star

Gagliasso Rocche Annunziata Barolo DOCG 2007

Brownish almandine with black reflections almandine rim paling to orange. The bouquet is fairly intense, with gum Arabic and cedar mingled with spice, almond paste, and a fair amount of alcohol. Fairly intense. On the palate it's fairly bright, with cherry fruit supported by lively rather bitter acidity and by warm glancing tannins that flow into a long warm tannic finish. It's a bit in mid stride but promises nicely, and could do interesting things with time.
2 stars

Gagliasso Torriglione Barolo DOCG 2007

An IGP Selection
Deep black almandine close to poured ink, with brownish almandine rim. The bouquet is muted, though swishing brings up some smoke, slight prune laced alcohol, some spice, and jammy accents. On the palate it's ample, with fairly bright berry fruit supported by warmth and prune plum fruit that flows into a warm rather dry berry fruit finish. Pleasant, in a rather rich ripe fairly modern key. It grew upon me.
2 stars

Silvio Grasso Turne Barolo DOCG 2007

An IGP Selection
Deep almandine with brownish almandine rim. The bouquet is penetrating, with spice, some minerality, quite a bit of alcohol, leather, and moderate fruit. On the palate it's bright, with lively cherry fruit supported by moderate acidity and tannins that are splintery and warm (a factor of youth), and flow into a warm splintery finish with a fair amount of sweetness due to alcohol. Lots of alcohol, but it shows promise and will do interesting things in the future.
2 stars

Silvio Grasso Pi Vigne Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections, and almandine rim paling to brown. The bouquet somewhat cooked, with burnt rubber, spice, some cherry fruit, leaf tobacco, and greenish vegetal accents supporting moderate berry fruit. On the palate it's full, with moderately intense leathery cherry plum fruit supported by mineral acidity and spice; the tannins are fairly smooth, somewhat glancing, and flow into plum prune finish with tannic underpinning. It shows promise and will likely do interesting things with time.
2 stars

Silvio Grasso Bricco Luciani Barolo DOCG 2007

Impenetrable pyrope with almandine rim. Poured ink. The bouquet is muted, though swishing brings up greenish accents, some spice, leaf tobacco, and alcohol, but not much fruit. On the palate it's full, with moderately rich plum cherry fruit supported by warmth and tannins that are warm, full, and fairly splintery and flow into a decidedly tannic finish with some prune plum fruit and some warmth. It's big, and has been pumped up, with a great deal of oak it has yet to finish digesting. You'll like it if you like the style, but I found the oak excessive.
1 star

Silvio Grasso Ciabot Manzoni Barolo DOCG 2007

Impenetrable pyrope with black reflections and cherry rim. The bouquet is smoky, with some penetrating notes, moderate cedar, and slight plum. On the palate it's ample, with fairly bright cherry plum fruit supported by moderate acidity and by tannins that are warm and splintery, flowing into a warm tannic finish that's fairly dry. I'd have liked a little more depth to fruit, which doesn't quite manage to stand up to the tannins at present. It needs a few years to come together.
1 star

Silvio Grasso Vigna Plicotti Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep back almandine with black reflections and almandine rim paling to brown. The bouquet is moderately intense, with quite a bit of oak and alcohol that mask the fruit, and some greenish accents. On the palate it's full, with prune fruit supported by warmth and tannins that have peppery spice and flow into a peppery finish. I found it settled and lacking in brightness and verve.
1 star

L'Illuminata Tebavio Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with green leather, cedar and spice supported by nose tingling acidity, heather, milkweed, and vegetal notes. Not much fruit. On the palate it's fairly rich, and quite ripe, with plum cherry fruit supported by tannic acidity and peppery accents, supported by moderate acidity. The palate is more interesting than the nose, and if the nose develops along these lines it will be interesting in a fairly ripe fairly international key.
2 stars

Mauro Molino Vigna Gancia Barolo DOCG 2007

An IGP Selection
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is fresh, with violets and greenish leaf tobacco and spice supported by some gum Arabic and slight red berry fruit, black pepper, some alcohol, and balsamic accents. Nice balance and harmonious On the palate it's pleasant, with fairly ripe cherry plum fruit supported by mineral acidity and smooth sweet tannins that flow into a fairly long clean spicy finish with deft tannic underpinning and some sage. Pleasant in a ripe key, and if you like the style you will enjoy it very much.
88-90

Mauro Molino Vigna Conca Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections. The bouquet is fairly intense and slightly rustic, with balsam, slight stable straw, green leaf tobacco, nose tingling spice, and fresh leather. On the palate it's full, with cherry plum fruit supported by dusky tannins that have leaf tobacco overtones, and by greenish acidity that flow s into a fairly long greenish finish. Pleasant in a rather dusky key, will also age nicely for a number of years. Ripe on the palate, and nice oak.
2 stars

Mauro Molino Gallinetto Barolo DOCG 2007

An IGP Selection
Impenetrable pyrope with black reflections almandine rim. The bouquet is muted at first swish, opening overtones reveal leather, nose tingling spice, cedar, petroleum, minerality, and moderate red berry fruit. On the palate it's medium bodied with fairly rich berry fruit supported by greenish tannins that have a cedary underpinning and are supported by moderate berry fruit mineral acidity. It's pleasant but still coming together and needs another couple of years.
2 stars

Monfalletto Bricco Gattera Barolo DOCG 2007

An IGP Selection
Deep almandine with black reflections and black cherry rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with berry fruit and some greenish accents supported by spice and deft minerality. The palate is fairly rich, with bright berry fruit supported by smooth berry fruit acidity -- cherry and sour berry fruit -- and by tannins that are smooth and sweet, slowing into a long and berry fruit laced finish with some tart accents as well. Fairly traditional and impressive; it's one of those wines one hates to pour out at a tasting, and is worth seeking out.
88-90

Monfalletto Enrico VI Barolo DOCG 2007

Almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is moderately intense, with penetrating greenish accents, spice, vegetal notes, leather, leaf tobacco, a degree of tartness, and orange peel acidity. On the palate it's fairly rich, with bright greenish berry fruit supported by cedar laced tannins and some vegetal accents, warmth, and alcohol, with long cedar laced finish with berry fruit and considerable greenish warmth. Quite fresh.
2 stars

Monfalletto Monfalletto Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep cherry brick ruby with ruby rim. The bouquet is fairly rich, with berry fruit and spice supported by alcohol and some greenish leaf tobacco accents, and some licorice root too. Nice depth and elegance. On the palate it's full, with bright ripe berry fruit supported by deft acidity and smooth tannins that have a slight burr, and flow into a fairly long warm finish with a peppery tannic burr. It's woefully young, and needs another 3-5 years to come into its own. Opening a bottle now would be an infanticide. 2 stars

Negretti Bricco Ambrogio Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet has greenish vegetal leaf tobacco notes mingled I warm balsamic accents and alcohol, a fair amount of cedar, moderate berry fruit, and moderately intense black pepper spice. On the palate it's brighter than the nose suggests, with bright berry fruit supported by bright berry fruit acidity and tannins that have dusky greenish accents, and flow into a greenish berry fruit finish with quite a bit of alcohol. It grew on me,
2 stars

Negretti Mirau Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim paling to orange. Fairly ripe nose, with plum and blueberry supported by greenish vegetal accents, spice, slight cedar, leaf tobacco, and warmth; it's ample and fresh in a ripe key On the palate it's full, and fresh with fairly bright berry fruit on the attack that quickly settles into the finish, which is clean and tannic. It's pleasingly fresh, but draws in a little too quickly.
2 stars

Negretti Barolo DOCG 2007

An IGP Selection
Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim paling to orange. The bouquet is pleasant and penetrating, with greenish notes, underbrush, sea salt, some berry fruit, leather, and spice; it's pleasant in international key. On the palate it's full, with richer than expected cherry fruit supported by deft berry fruit acidity and smooth sweet tannins that flow into a clean fresh tannic finish. Quite fresh, with considerable life and will go places.
2 stars

Oddero Luigi Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is rustic, with balsam, wet stable straw, penetrating spice, acidity, lathered horse, some herbal accents. Powerful. On the palate it's pleasant, with fairly rich cherry fruit supported by balsamic berry fruit acidity and by smooth sweet tannins that flow into a fairly long slightly animal balsam laced finish. If you like the style, which is very traditional, you will enjoy it.
2 stars

Oddero Poderi e Cantine Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim paling to orange. The bouquet is greenish, with scalded milk, gum Arabic, spice, and some Marseilles laundry soap, but not much fruit. I found it a bit lunky. On the palate it's ample and smooth, with minerality more than fruit, some plum laced tannins that are ample and sweet, and a finish that's fairly mineral, It's oddly empty, and I can't get a grip on it.
1 star

Rocche Costamagna Rocche dell'Annunziata Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is muted, though swishing brings up some leaf tobacco slight green leather mingled with spice, and not much fruit. On the palate it's ample, with moderate plum cherry fruit supported by mineral acidity and tannins that are ample and glancing, and flow into a fairly mineral finish. Lacks verve, acidity.
1 star

Aurelio Settimo Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is moderately intense, with berry fruit and some leaf tobacco mingled with spice and warmth. On the palate it's ample, with rich plum cherry fruit supported by moderate acidity and fairly sweet tannins that flow into a fairly rich cherry plum finish. It's pleasant, though I found it a touch ripe. If you prefer tighter wines it won't work as well for you.
2 stars

Aurelio Settimo Rocche dell'Annunziata Barolo DOCG 2007

An IGP Selection
Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is moderately intense, with balsamic red berry fruit supported by spice, some greenish accents, and wet leather. On the palate it's full, and fairly rich, with bright berry fruit supported by greenish accents and spice supported by some acidity, and tannins that have warm balsamic accents and flow into a clean savory balsamic finish with fruit underpinning. Pleasant in a traditional key; I found it just a touch thin (and this is the vintage), though it promises to become ethereal with time.
2 stars

Veglio Mauro Vigneto Gattera Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine rim paling to brown. The bouquet is moderately intense, with quite a bit of greenish cedar, some spice, vegetal notes, and not much fruit, though as it opens scalded milk, slight balsam, slight gum Arabic, and alcohol emerge. On the palate it's ample and rather green, with moderately intense minerality more than fruit supported by tannins that are splintery and flow into a very tannic finish. Lacks fruit.
1 star

Veglio Mauro Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections, almandine rim. The bouquet is pleasant, with greenish accents, minerality, some cedar, vegetal notes, leaf tobacco, and peppery spice, but not much fruit. Some plum. On the palate it's brighter than the nose suggests, with cherry plum fruit supported by mineral plum acidity and by tannins that are warm and slightly splintery, flow into a clean fairly bright plum cherry fruit with splintery underpinning.
2 stars

Veglio Mauro Vigneto Arborina Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black cherry ruby with black reflections and cherry ruby rim. The bouquet is muted, though swishing brings up cedar, some vegetal accents, spice, pungency, prunes, and warmth. On the palate it's fairly rich, with cherry plum fruit supported by moderate acidity and by tannins that are decidedly splintery and flow into a fairly long warm finish, Lots of alcohol makes for considerable warmth. Pleasant in its style, though I'd have liked greater depth and richness, and less alcohol.
2 stars

Veglio Mauro Castelletto Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections and almandine in the rim. The bouquet is moderately intense, with some greenish accents, vegetal notes, leaf tobacco, some nose tingling acidity, spice, more acidity. I find the volatile high and a fellow taster agrees. On the palate it's ample and soft, with plum cherry fruit supported by peppery tannins.
1 star

Veglio Mauro Rocche dell'Annunziata Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep almandine with black reflections and almandine rim. The bouquet is intense, and a bit disjointed, with wet cardboard and greenish accents, some spice, and some berry fruit. Still in mid stride. On the palate it's a step up, with fairly rich cherry plum fruit supported by brisk berry fruit acidity and tannins that have decidedly peppery spice and flow into a fairly long peppery finish with spicy accents. The palate has promise, and the nose needs time. Assuming it follows the palate the wine will be quite pleasant. I would give it 3-5 years to get its bearings.
2 stars

Viberti Eraldo Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections. The nose is intense, with considerable wet paper, some greenish accents, spice, and underlying berry fruit. It is up in the air. On the palate it's fairly rich, with ripe cherry fruit supported by spice and greenish tannins that have peppery accents and some spice. Pleasant and needs time, especially for the nose to come together and develop. If it does, it will go places. A score today could have little bearing on the future of the wine.

Viberti Eraldo Rocchettevino Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep black almandine with black reflections almandine rim. The bouquet is intense, with wet paper and some greenish accents, some spice, cedar in spades, vegetal accents, and not much fruit. On the palate it's fairly rich, cherry fruit supported by smooth sweet berry fruit that is supported by moderately intense berry fruit acidity and by smooth sweet tannins with slight moderate acidity and tannins that are fairly smooth. It needs a couple of years to come together.
1 star

Gianni Voerzio La Serra Barolo DOCG 2007

Deep violet ruby with violet rim. The bouquet is atypical, with violets and spice mingled with sea salt and some animal accents, also rich plum cherry fruit supported by some balsamic accents. Quite distinctive. On the palate it's full and rich, with powerful cherry plum fruit supported by fairly bright berry fruit acidity and tannins that are peppery and flow into a warm bright peppery finish. A bit atypical with fairly rich tannins that revolve around sweetness of fruit, and flow into a languid, rich plum cherry finish with some leathery balsamic accents. It's a wine you will like or not, and isn't really typical of Barolo. But it is interesting, with considerable personality, and if you like the style you will enjoy it considerably.
2 stars