Ceccherini Cristiano

9.3

Marcenasco is the first site where Ratti started to make Barolo. When he was still in Brazil working for Cinzano a certain Bruno Giacosa selected the location for him.
Renato Ratti is arguably the most important person for the development of the reputation of Barolo the way it is now.
He was the first to map the vineyards, pointing out the best crus; he spread the use of the Albeisa bottle in the consortium after studies on old book. He made Barolo become a DOCG.
He just saw and achieved what others could only smell.
He is the most highly regarded innovator of the area and everyone looks up to his memory.
Disappeared too early in 1988, he left to his son Pietro an incredible legacy.

The winery is located in La Morra, nonetheless their wines age fantastically specially the Marcenasco that drinks quite well early, like this example from 2020, but will also benefit from 10 + years in the bottle.
Tannin is smooth, fruit is there and we see some balsamic and floral already.
Only at the beginning of the journey. — 4 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.6

Located halfway up the hill dominating principal valley of Barolo, lined by vineyards, lies a precious 15th century Abbey of Annunziata. Medium Ruby with complex aromas of berry fruits, oak and fresh floral scents. On the palate dried tart cherry, tobacco, licorice, espresso and fresh herbs give this full-body wine grace and elegance. Soft fine tannins, long finish ending with fruit and earthy notes, well balanced, has have room to run over the next decade. Very Nice! — 3 months ago

Ned Clark

9.2

Good alone but amazing with food — 5 years ago

Ceccherini Cristiano

9.4

We opened two different botlles and the first showed very young, still on the fruit(as it should be i think for a 2020) and vibrant
Second bottle looked more tertiary with a even more bricky appearance and scents of licorice, mushroom and tar.
Both where very fascinating, but at different stages of their life i would say.
Both had an intense explosion on the nose with the classic Rocche dell'Annunziata rose petals character.
Maybe we were just lucky to see the present and the future of this wine. — 4 days ago

Ceccherini Cristiano

9.1

Stainless steel version
Very true to the traditional style
Fruity, fresh, juicy, long
No brainer, just a great wine. — 4 days 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. — a year ago

Ceccherini Cristiano

9.4

Last acquisition of Ratti, this is the highest vineyard in the denomination. I think this is the first vintage they bottled Serradenari, very promising.
A bit more tannic than most La Morra wines.
Unique minty balsamic that personally i have never met so clear in a Barolo. Nearly a camphor oil.
A wine for the long haul.
15 to 20 years ahead i reckon. — 4 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 — 4 days 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