Jay Kline

9.1

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a couple of hours. The 2014 Classico pours a slightly hazy garnet with a translucent core; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing. Initially showing notes of stewed red fruits, however with about 30 minutes of air, the fruits freshened up. Morello Cherry, macerated strawberry, dried roses, tar, leather, gravelly earth, and a pleasant mix of cool spices. On the palate, the wine is bone dry with high tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium plus; grippy and savory. An often maligned vintage in Piemonte, particularly in Barolo (though some outstanding examples exist). However, in Barbaresco, there was more success and this is an example. Drink now through 2034. — 5 days ago

Robert Swart

9.1

50% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 11% Petit Verdot. Refreshing on the nose with pink pepper and cypress berries aromas, which are reminiscent of the Mediterranean shrub. On tasting, the wine is elegant with a lovely acidity and an enduring and savoury finish. — 12 days ago

Louis Martin

9.1

Floral accent, medium body, fruity flavors, creamy finish. — 9 days ago

Jay Kline

9.1

Double-decanted several hours prior to dinner and subsequently enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 2012 Classico pours a deep garnet color with a transparent core; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with ripe notes of red fruit: cherry cordial, candied nuts, red flowers, some leather, rich wood and some warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with high tannins and high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. A very good, albeit modern expression of Barolo from a solar vintage. Personally, I find pre-modernist Pio Cesare more exciting. Thanks Andy! Drink now with patience and through 2042. — 7 days ago

Jarrod McCann

9.3

Nice Barolo with lots of limestone showing minerality and brightness. Still a little tight after 11 years, but it’s fantastic with a nice piece of beef. Floral on the nose with juicy choke cherry, leather, unsweetened coco, tobacco, raspberry preserves, and crushed blueberries on the palate. — 10 days ago

Conrad Green

9.4

Lucid and supple. Rounded fruit. Contained. Not too hot with lovely purity. Great stuff. A little tight. Some dried herbs. Delicious. — 4 days ago

with Rick

Joe DAscoli

9.4

Decanted for about 2 hours. Broken cork that seemed dried out and I couldn’t get out of the bottle. Filtered the wine into the decanter.

Wine had the classic Valdicava aromas that are unique and alluring. Almost like a Sangiovese / Cabernet blend and mix of dark fruit, cocoa. I can’t describe as much as I can always recognize it.

Wine was very good. Not the best expression of this wine but solid.

— 5 days ago

Louis Martin

9.2

Smooth, rich and creamy, medium body, slightly sweet — 3 days ago

George Yasutake

9.6

Wonderful bottle! — 2 days ago

Adriana

9.2

sun baked oregano // pomelo (pith and all) — 9 days ago