Piedmont (Piemonte)

This was a bit disappointing but an example proving that you often get what you pay for.  This was $30 on release, from a great vintage.  It seemed like a no brainer, and it's ok.  Hopefully, it will still improve a bit as it is young.  Light ruby in color.  The nose has some cherries and baking spice.  On the palate, the cherries continue.  Pretty one dimensional.  Medium tannins.  Good acidity.  It needs food and will go with just about anything.  Overall, the wine is a nice wine, that will work at the dinner table and was not expensive.  But, there is nothing I taste to suggest Barolo. 

This is the basic Barolo from Vietti although don't forget about their Perbacco which is a Nebbiolo that is a spectacular value.  This is in a good place right now if still a bit on the young side.  It was around $53 on release and can still be found for close to that.  If opening soon, give it a decant of a few hours.  Lighter ruby in color with hints of orange.  The nose is great with gorgeous cherries, tar and roses.  Complex and deep.  It is not quite as expressive or complex on the palate.  Perhaps that is something that further cellaring will bring.  It does have lovely fresh cherries

I was looking for a nice Barolo to take to a friends dinner party.  This was in the cellar and I neglected to check my own notes for this wine.  It was just as tight as a bottle opened last May.  It really needs time and to be decanted.  That said, with some vigorous swirling it did open up and provided an enjoyable experience.  Ruby in color.  The nose takes some time but eventually show some cherries, roses and slight tar.  On the palate, this has tight layering which has cherries, earth and slight forest floor notes.  Nice acidity.  Good finish.  Went very well with some stuffed Portabel

Always a treat to try one of the most iconic Barbera's made.  And, to get a chance to try one with ten years on it is a real treat.  The wine did not disappoint.  Deep ruby in color.  The nose has cranberries, slight sour cherries and a very interesting mint note.  This is a big fruit wine (especially for Barbera) with nice cherries and red currants.  There is also a strong backbone of acidity that helps this work so well with food.  Deep and some complexity, it still seems like it could go another decade with no problem.  This can handle the hearties of meat dishes but is lively enough for

Light yellow/silvery gold in color.  Slight froth with smallish bubbles.  No real nose, but with air a slight pine note comes out.  On the palate, this is sweet and not cloying though very sweet.  Nice minerality.  Long, long finish.  This will work as a cocktail or as a dessert wine.  Salty foods would probably be best.  

Ruby in color.  The nose has cherries, slight cranberries, with slight dried roses.  On the palate, this has light tannins.  Cherries, dried cherries and slight roasted earth.  A nice finish.  This is lighter in style for a Barolo and not as deep.  It is, however, drinking well right now.  Good acidity.  Needs some food to pull it together.  

The last Bruno Giacosa was one of the premier producers in Barolo.  Sadly, he passed away a couple years ago.  The top wines he made were given a red label and Riserva status.  This bottle is still youthful but it is drinking great.  Purple, ruby rim.  Still looks quite young.  Tight nose; cherries, slight tea leaves and dried roses.  A bit of tar.  Just the slightest bit of VA with air, which is good as it ends up bringing out the aromatics.  Delicious on the palate.  Tight layers of cherries, cherry candy, anise and earth.  Firm but manageable tannins.  Finish goes on forever.  Needs anot

This was pop and pour and it needed more air.  Of course very young, but still, this was excellent.  Ruby in color.  The nose has cherries, floral notes and slight tar.  On the palate, this is tannic.  Fresh acidity cuts across the tannins though revealing nice cherry fruit.  Showing some tight layering already. Great mouthfeel.  Of course, this begs for some hearty food.  Even more, another ten years in a good cellar should show some improvement.  

Deep ruby in color with brown tinges to it.  On the nose, this has nice cherries with a bit of tar/anise.  It has strong tannins on the palate.  Cherry fruit but a pretty strong green streak.  There is plenty of depth.  Good acidity.  This begs for food, both to calm the tannins and the green streak.  It is very good though and at $18, this is fairly priced.  It will be interesting to try the 2015 to compare.

Light silvery gold in color.  The nose is nice with great minerality.  Also some pears.  On the palate, this is slightly oily.  Nice undertones of minerals.  Some apple/pear.  Good acidity.  Nice finish.  This would work with a wide variety of lighter to medium foods.  Drinks surprisingly well on its own too.  A bit pricey for an Arneis but this is one of the better ones.  $30 retail.