2004 M. Marengo Barolo Brunate, Italy, Piedmont, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2004
Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-

This was a group favorite at a recent wine tasting group of Barolo's.  It is still somewhat tight and needed some air.  Ruby in color, slightly orange at the rim.  The nose has some volatile acidity but perhaps just enough to raise the aromatics.  Ir has raspberries, dust, and slight rose petals.  On the palate, this has firm tannins.  Cherry fruit with underlying tar/minerals.  Very nice texture.  Good balance.  For my tastes, this needs a few more years and should be good for fifteen or so years after that.  It will work well with stews and casseroles but it really will work better with f

2010 Fratelli Alessandria Barolo Gramolere, Italy, Piedmont, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2010
Score: 
93
Grade: 
A

This is just coming into maturity.  A bit earlier than expected and that's why its good to check in on wines every so often (or read others tasting notes).  Light ruby in color, clear and bright.  A very pretty perfumed nose of cherries, black cherries, menthol and slight tar.  Medium bodied.  Medium tannins.  On the palate, black cherry fruit with char/smoke and a slight candied note.  Good acidity.  Long finish.  This is just starting to enter its prime drinking window and should be here for the next ten to fifteen years.  It might still improve a bit.  This will be great with pasta in a

2018 G.D. Vajra Langhe Nebbiolo Claré J.C., Italy, Piedmont, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2018
Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$20.00USD

This was a new wine for me.  It was very good, but also very unique and interesting.  The back label said it is made in the style of Nebbiolo that was consumed in the 17th and 18th centuries.  It is lighter, crisp, and with a light fizz.  Ruby in color, a bit frothy, but clear and bright.  Too dark to be a rose, but very light for a red.  On the nose, this has nice cherry fruit along with a slight sandalwood note.  Very energetic on the palate with good acidity.  The cherry flavors carry thru.  Slightly effervescent.  Not too unlike a quality Lambrusco but perhaps more bass tones (if that m

2004 Renato Ratti Barolo Marcenasco, Italy, Piedmont, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2004
Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$56.00USD

This is in a great place right now.  Ruby in color with slight browning.  The nose has cherries, slight raspberries, slight tar and slight forest floor.  Medium bodied.  Tannins are mostly resolved.  On the palate, nice cherry notes with some forest floor underneath.  Good acidity.  Nice finish.  This is at peak.  it should be consumed over the next five to seven years.  It goes great with pasta and cream sauce and will work well with meat based dishes too.  

2013 San Biagio Barolo Sorano, Italy, Piedmont, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2013
Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-

This is an affordably priced Barolo ($30 on release) that is reasonably modern in style.  Ruby in color, mostly clear and bright.  The nose is nice with cherries, slight floral nose and baking spice.  On the palate, this is accessible if not at peak.  It has nice cherry fruit.  There is a fair amount of oak showing and medium firm tannins which suggests another three to five years would be beneficial (and what one should expect for a Barolo in this class).  It is food friendly with a nice bit of acidity.  Pasta in a cream sauce would work well.  This should be good for the next ten to fifte

2005 Bruno Giacosa Barbaresco, Italy, Piedmont, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2005
Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$170.00USD

This was outstanding if not at the single vineyard level either.  Medium ruby in color, clear and bright.  The nose is pretty with cherries, tar and smoke.  On the palate, this has cherries, sour cherries and some underlying forest floor.  Medium tannins.  Some complexity.  It was served pop and pour and really improved after an hour.  Nice acidity.  It worked well with a spicy eggplant but also ravioli in a lemon butter sauce.  It seems to be about as good as it is going to get but no hurry.  I would probably recommend giving it a couple/few hours in a decanter prior to serving.  

2004 Domenico Clerico Barolo Pajana, Italy, Piedmont, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2004
Score: 
95
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$85.00USD

This is still young but a very nice showing.  It might still get a bit better but for the most part is close to peak.  Ruby in color.  The nose has cherries, tar, slight dried roses.  Also a bit of tea.  On the palate, there are fresh and dried cherries over a bit of forest floor.  Good acidity.  Layers unwind in the glass.  Long finish.  Pretty much everything one could want from this wine at 15 years from vintage.  It will work well with past and meat dished but even light fol or salads.  

2005 Cigliuti Barbaresco Serraboella, Italy, Piedmont, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2005
Score: 
87
Grade: 
B

My first time trying this producer.  It was good but a bit under ripe.  Perhaps another five years and it sorts itself out.  I have my doubts but time will tell.  Ruby in color.  The nose has cherries, bell peppers and roasted herbs.  On the palate, there is a green streak running thru this wine.  Firm tannins.  Underlying tar.  There is some complexity here.  In the end, it depends on what you like,  but for my tastes, I this could have been better had they let the fruit hang a bit longer.  It has a nice acidity and will work better with food.  No harm in waiting on it at this point.  Serv

2013 Cantina della Torre Barolo Casali del Barone, Italy, Piedmont, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2013
Score: 
84
Grade: 
B
Current Price: 
$40.00USD

This is one of those wines that when you read the label, expectations are raised.  Though I had not heard to the producer, a Barolo, in a great vintage for $40, should be a great wine.  This is not.  It is a fine, drinkable wine but not more.  Ruby/purple in color.  The nose has some black cherries.  On the palate, this has firm tannins.  The black cherries carry thru.  Moderate finish.  Some, not a lot of, acidity.  A nice pizza wine (if the price works for you).  

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