Francesco Rinaldi e Figli
Barolo Nebbiolo
Barolo, Cuneo, Piedmont, Italy
Rounding out the flight of legendary Barolo estates, Francesco Rinaldi certainly takes its rightful place in the pantheon of Piemonte’s history. By 1970, the estate had been under the leadership of Luciano Rinaldi for nearly three decades. I can’t verify but I believe Luciano was sourcing fruit from Cannubi, Sarmassa and Vignane in Barolo; Codana in Castiglione Falletto; and Rocche dell'Annunziata and Boiolo in La Morra.
This particular bottle was poured into a decanter and allowed to breath for five hours. It was subsequently returned to its bottle a couple hours prior to service and enjoyed alongside the ‘41 Conterno and the ‘61 Cappellano. The 1970 Classico pours a ruddy garnet color with a translucent core and a slightly orange rim; medium viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of ripe and dried Morello cherry, shiso, alpine herbs, cola nut, dried roses, truffle, and dried gravelly earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose, the finish is long. Stunning stuff. As expected, this bottle came across noticeably more youthful than the two elder statesmen poured alongside. An outstanding pairing with the agnolotti del plin. If this bottle is representative, there is still quite a bit of life left in this. Drink now with patience and through 2040+.
Rounding out the flight of legendary Barolo estates, Francesco Rinaldi certainly takes its rightful place in the pantheon of Piemonte’s history. By 1970, the estate had been under the leadership of Luciano Rinaldi for nearly three decades. I can’t verify but I believe Luciano was sourcing fruit from Cannubi, Sarmassa and Vignane in Barolo; Codana in Castiglione Falletto; and Rocche dell'Annunziata and Boiolo in La Morra.
This particular bottle was poured into a decanter and allowed to breath for five hours. It was subsequently returned to its bottle a couple hours prior to service and enjoyed alongside the ‘41 Conterno and the ‘61 Cappellano. The 1970 Classico pours a ruddy garnet color with a translucent core and a slightly orange rim; medium viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of ripe and dried Morello cherry, shiso, alpine herbs, cola nut, dried roses, truffle, and dried gravelly earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose, the finish is long. Stunning stuff. As expected, this bottle came across noticeably more youthful than the two elder statesmen poured alongside. An outstanding pairing with the agnolotti del plin. If this bottle is representative, there is still quite a bit of life left in this. Drink now with patience and through 2040+.
A mid cherry red in colour. Aromatics of red fruits, menthol and touches of tar and roses. Light to medium bodied on the palate - surprising for a Barolo with medium plus intensity. Different and interesting in a good vintage from an excellent producer. Next in a year.
A mid cherry red in colour. Aromatics of red fruits, menthol and touches of tar and roses. Light to medium bodied on the palate - surprising for a Barolo with medium plus intensity. Different and interesting in a good vintage from an excellent producer. Next in a year.
Apr 14th, 2025Finished fast and metallic.
Finished fast and metallic.
Jun 22nd, 2021The battle between team cherry and team earth/mushroom is on full display at this point in the wines evolution and provides great dramatic tension, despite the inevitable triumph of the latter
The battle between team cherry and team earth/mushroom is on full display at this point in the wines evolution and provides great dramatic tension, despite the inevitable triumph of the latter
Jun 19th, 2021
Delightful Nebbiolo anise and cherries earthy with rustic tannins
Delightful Nebbiolo anise and cherries earthy with rustic tannins
Jul 4th, 2020
A nose of compost heap. Not promising. On the palate there’s are things to like. Bacon fat, soft faded cherry. Mint. Just ok
A nose of compost heap. Not promising. On the palate there’s are things to like. Bacon fat, soft faded cherry. Mint. Just ok
Feb 12th, 2020
Served blind. Loved it and yet another bottle proving that Paola Rinaldi nailed the vintage. Not for the long haul but already beautiful.
Served blind. Loved it and yet another bottle proving that Paola Rinaldi nailed the vintage. Not for the long haul but already beautiful.
Oct 25th, 2018Select carefully in Barolo 2014 and you will be greatly rewarded!
Select carefully in Barolo 2014 and you will be greatly rewarded!
Sep 12th, 2018