Andrea Oberto
Barolo Nebbiolo
Barolo, Cuneo, Piedmont, Italy
Last had a bottle of the 2010 9 years ago and lost this one under a couple of other bottles. Popped and double decanted to remove sediment. Color showing considerable browning at the rim initially, it seems to be looking more youthful with air time. Nose is pretty intense, with the fruit showing a slightly pruney note, which I’m hoping dissipates as it gains air, and dark cherry lozenges. Beyond that, lots of leather, polished mahogany furniture, and sous-bois. The palate is still vigorous, with nice acids and intense but soft tannins framing deep, licoricey flavors. Quite full bodied. A little austere on the finish, it I’m hoping that pairs well with the braised beef short ribs that will be ready in 30 minutes. 9.2 for now; will update if that changes.
Last had a bottle of the 2010 9 years ago and lost this one under a couple of other bottles. Popped and double decanted to remove sediment. Color showing considerable browning at the rim initially, it seems to be looking more youthful with air time. Nose is pretty intense, with the fruit showing a slightly pruney note, which I’m hoping dissipates as it gains air, and dark cherry lozenges. Beyond that, lots of leather, polished mahogany furniture, and sous-bois. The palate is still vigorous, with nice acids and intense but soft tannins framing deep, licoricey flavors. Quite full bodied. A little austere on the finish, it I’m hoping that pairs well with the braised beef short ribs that will be ready in 30 minutes. 9.2 for now; will update if that changes.
Aug 2nd, 2026Perfectly mature and so nice. So much spice, mahogany furniture, 19th Century first editions, and complexity in the perfume. Still a fair amount of relaxed, spiced cherry fruit on the palate, with interesting leather notes. Tannins resolved, decent acids. It’s 15% listed alcohol, but it’s not poking out.
Perfectly mature and so nice. So much spice, mahogany furniture, 19th Century first editions, and complexity in the perfume. Still a fair amount of relaxed, spiced cherry fruit on the palate, with interesting leather notes. Tannins resolved, decent acids. It’s 15% listed alcohol, but it’s not poking out.
Mar 10th, 2025
Tonight we are keeping it simple at home. We ordered delivery from Pasta Flyer, the brainchild of Mark Ladner who made his name as the Executive Chef of Del Posto during its 4*s from the NY Times days. The Rigatone with Ragu is delicious and the sort of thing that is nigh impossible to achieve at home given the slow cooking patience involved. The Fusilli with Basil Pesto is a little grassy but tasted of spring. The Spaghetti with meatballs is probably the least authentic pasta but it can only be a crowd pleaser. Who cares if it isn't Italian... We are in New York. New York authentic, perhaps. The quantity could feed a crowd, which made me happy as I was hungry and didn't need to share.
I opened this entry level Barolo from Oberto. 2013 was such a fabulous vintage for Barolo and it's great to see success at the affordable level as well as the top end. This under $40 wine is plush, inviting and just plain scrumptious. Midweight, it's one for the near term, which is fine by me. Crack open some of these while waiting for the big boy Barolos to age in the cellar for a few years.
Simple and delicious. Pasta and Barolo.
Tonight we are keeping it simple at home. We ordered delivery from Pasta Flyer, the brainchild of Mark Ladner who made his name as the Executive Chef of Del Posto during its 4*s from the NY Times days. The Rigatone with Ragu is delicious and the sort of thing that is nigh impossible to achieve at home given the slow cooking patience involved. The Fusilli with Basil Pesto is a little grassy but tasted of spring. The Spaghetti with meatballs is probably the least authentic pasta but it can only be a crowd pleaser. Who cares if it isn't Italian... We are in New York. New York authentic, perhaps. The quantity could feed a crowd, which made me happy as I was hungry and didn't need to share.
I opened this entry level Barolo from Oberto. 2013 was such a fabulous vintage for Barolo and it's great to see success at the affordable level as well as the top end. This under $40 wine is plush, inviting and just plain scrumptious. Midweight, it's one for the near term, which is fine by me. Crack open some of these while waiting for the big boy Barolos to age in the cellar for a few years.
Simple and delicious. Pasta and Barolo.
Mistook for a Pinot Noir, blind. Pretty, high-tone cherries and blueberries, peppermint twist. Bitter balance.
Mistook for a Pinot Noir, blind. Pretty, high-tone cherries and blueberries, peppermint twist. Bitter balance.
1 person found it helpfulDec 6th, 2017Still in its youth. Nose a bit reticent. Shyly reveals a little sous bois, mushroom, earthy spice, and intense cherry extract. Palate is powerful. Loads of tannin, acid, and body. You feel it more than taste it. Nice length as it fans out after swallowing. Kind of ponderous before dinner, but in a couple of hours it should go well with my manzo bolito. 9.2+
Still in its youth. Nose a bit reticent. Shyly reveals a little sous bois, mushroom, earthy spice, and intense cherry extract. Palate is powerful. Loads of tannin, acid, and body. You feel it more than taste it. Nice length as it fans out after swallowing. Kind of ponderous before dinner, but in a couple of hours it should go well with my manzo bolito. 9.2+
1 person found it helpfulSep 30th, 2017
#oberto #barolo 2005. Very nice balanced and better on 2nd night. Drying tannins, good fruit, tar scents, proper
#oberto #barolo 2005. Very nice balanced and better on 2nd night. Drying tannins, good fruit, tar scents, proper
1 person found it helpfulMay 21st, 2016
A shocker to me but kudos to @Chris Young! Funky and medicinal at first, opened up to a beautiful feminine tarry and leathery treat after 3 hours. Would've ranked it 5th at start of tasting, my and group choice for #1 of 6. Showing beautifully tonight.
A shocker to me but kudos to @Chris Young! Funky and medicinal at first, opened up to a beautiful feminine tarry and leathery treat after 3 hours. Would've ranked it 5th at start of tasting, my and group choice for #1 of 6. Showing beautifully tonight.
1 person found it helpfulApr 10th, 2016Ruby red color, on the nose come like a wet leather and tobacco. Prune fruits. In the palate is smooth and velvety. Long finish.
Ruby red color, on the nose come like a wet leather and tobacco. Prune fruits. In the palate is smooth and velvety. Long finish.
1 person found it helpfulAug 4th, 2015Barolo fix. Aromatic. Spicy. Perfume. Mineral. Full and round. Complete.
Barolo fix. Aromatic. Spicy. Perfume. Mineral. Full and round. Complete.
1 person found it helpfulMar 5th, 2015