Paul Masson

9.2

More of a mid-weight, approachable vintage, not quite the highs of 2019, but a pleasure to drink, particularly after a day’s air — 15 days ago

Kland Aida

9.5

Bold, typical but high quality Barolo. High in tannin. Leather and earthy notes. — 4 months ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Ginestra is arguably one of the most important MGA’s in Monforte d’Alba. It was called out by Renato Ratti back in the early days of Barolo vineyard classification and its home to Gavarini, Chiniera, Rüncot, Pajana and Grassi. As you might imagine, Cascina Chicco’s Ginestra Riserva is more than a Riserva from Ginestra. In fact, the fruit comes from the heart of the single-vineyard known as Grassi which enjoys the best exposure (straight south). However, instead of calling out “Grassi” on the label (which they are entitled to do), Cascina Chicco simply refers to “Ginestra”. Perhaps it’s tradition since Ginestra is so well known. Whatever the case may be, what really matters is that it’s delicious.

Popped and poured; enjoyed over a several hour period. The 2012 Ginestra Riserva pours a deep garnet with a transparent core; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears and no signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with powerful notes of Morello cherry, raspberry, pomegranate, cranberry, strawberry, compote, tar, roses, dried green herbs, limestone earth, and faint warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with high tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The body is fit and the texture is silky, refined. The finish is long and grippy. As one who doesn’t drink a lot of Riservas (they are expensive and sometimes a bit overdone, particularly when the Classico is just brilliant enough) this is a wonderful example that shows a lot of energy and guts for such a solar vintage. Drink now with patience and through 2042. — 2 years ago

J Ferrugia

9.3

The wine opened very hot on the nose & palate but with plenty of underlying fruit. 20 minutes decanted it evolved to cherry and tobacco on the nose and lively fruit on the palate. This is a rich complex wine with layers of fruit & some spice early … and then beautifully balanced tannins/ fruit in the long finish. It is mature but can evolve well for another couple of years. Drink now or in 4 years.
Loved it! — 24 days ago

Ceccherini Cristiano

9.2

Stainless steel version
Pure varietal
When you pour it the colour is bright, luminous
I reckon nebbiolo has the most sensual appearance ever..you can tell i am getting excited
Fruit here is sourced from Roero so the expression is slightly darker on the nose.
Tannin is smooth
Excellent stuff, truly elegant — 7 months ago

Ned Clark

9.2

Good alone but amazing with food — 6 years ago

Kland Aida

9.5

Second time having the 2021. Didn’t disappoint—tannic but right length. Complex palette and powerful but not overpowering. Great wine. — 3 months ago

with Zach

KP

9.0

Enjoyed in Maui. Herbal and oaky nose. Low tannins. High acidity. Smooth but short finish. — 5 months ago

M. Christopher Roebuck

9.2

Interesting to compare these wines tonight. With 3 years of age on the Ratti it shows in the obvious areas. Color is leaning brown. Cherry and rose are giving way to earthy flavors. It's obviously impossible to determine if the younger wine would exceed the Pio Cesare 3 years, but given it's current complexity, I'm giving the nod to Ratti.

92 points — 5 years ago

J. Kim

9.1

Consistent from 2012 and 2013. — 6 years ago