Giacomo Ascheri
Barolo Nebbiolo
Barolo, Cuneo, Piedmont, Italy
Consistent with the last note. A value buy in my opinion. Yum!
Consistent with the last note. A value buy in my opinion. Yum!
May 7th, 2022Aced this blind, though I felt the palate weight does lean more towards a Langhe Nebbiolo by convention.
Like the blinded Margaux on the table, the nose led with Morello cherries, but without new oak and more layers such as aromas of dried roses, leather, star anise, and earth. The trademark Nebbiolo tannins and acidity on the palate was what scored the clincher for me. Lighter than expected for the level of tannins, but I felt it was still balanced especially with the mouth-filling mid-palate fruit (mixed berries here). Finishes with spice and fresh acidity. It’s a dangerous drink given how elegant it is at 14.5% abv. Best red of the night!
NB: The 2017 Blue Label Ascheri Barolo was made with a blend of fruits from La Morra, Verduno, and Serralunga. Fermentation was a 50% mix of 15-day batch and 25-day batch with submerged cap. Aging was for 24 months in large Slavonian oak barrels (70% new oak and 30% used) and for 12 months in stainless steel before bottling. It’s interesting to note how little wood character was imparted into the wine using large format barrels, despite the high percentage of new oak. I would imagine that one of the roles of this cuvée at Ascheri is just to season the new barrels for use in the better cuvées.
Aced this blind, though I felt the palate weight does lean more towards a Langhe Nebbiolo by convention.
Like the blinded Margaux on the table, the nose led with Morello cherries, but without new oak and more layers such as aromas of dried roses, leather, star anise, and earth. The trademark Nebbiolo tannins and acidity on the palate was what scored the clincher for me. Lighter than expected for the level of tannins, but I felt it was still balanced especially with the mouth-filling mid-palate fruit (mixed berries here). Finishes with spice and fresh acidity. It’s a dangerous drink given how elegant it is at 14.5% abv. Best red of the night!
NB: The 2017 Blue Label Ascheri Barolo was made with a blend of fruits from La Morra, Verduno, and Serralunga. Fermentation was a 50% mix of 15-day batch and 25-day batch with submerged cap. Aging was for 24 months in large Slavonian oak barrels (70% new oak and 30% used) and for 12 months in stainless steel before bottling. It’s interesting to note how little wood character was imparted into the wine using large format barrels, despite the high percentage of new oak. I would imagine that one of the roles of this cuvée at Ascheri is just to season the new barrels for use in the better cuvées.
Usually i would leave a Barolo longer than this (2012) in my cellar but i had a sense this was softer - and it seems like it was the right choice rose petal, brown sugar black fruit jam
Usually i would leave a Barolo longer than this (2012) in my cellar but i had a sense this was softer - and it seems like it was the right choice rose petal, brown sugar black fruit jam
Oct 20th, 2018With any other meal, the minerality would be at the fore, but with a rare rack of lamb, the minerals are tamed and the fruit notes are heightened. Clear, slightly brick color with hints of ruby. Smells of roses and leather. Incredibly subtle tannins.
With any other meal, the minerality would be at the fore, but with a rare rack of lamb, the minerals are tamed and the fruit notes are heightened. Clear, slightly brick color with hints of ruby. Smells of roses and leather. Incredibly subtle tannins.
1 person found it helpfulJul 1st, 2017$30. Bright. Great finish. Really good
$30. Bright. Great finish. Really good
1 person found it helpfulJun 2nd, 2017This vintage is rustic and reserved. Very little fruit. Advanced color. Aromatics emerge with time in the glass. Nice with pot roast.
This vintage is rustic and reserved. Very little fruit. Advanced color. Aromatics emerge with time in the glass. Nice with pot roast.
Oct 31st, 2016$25? How do they do that? Run, don't walk. Lovely Nebbiolo. Not a big wine.
$25? How do they do that? Run, don't walk. Lovely Nebbiolo. Not a big wine.
Apr 3rd, 2015
Pale garnet color.
Aromas of red cherry, tar, cedar greenery.
Dry. Flavors of red cherry, tar, floral, orange zest. Firm tannins are lower than expected, but balanced. Great acidity.
Intensity: 4/5
Complexity: 4/5
Balance: 4/5
Finish: 4/5
Pale garnet color.
Aromas of red cherry, tar, cedar greenery.
Dry. Flavors of red cherry, tar, floral, orange zest. Firm tannins are lower than expected, but balanced. Great acidity.
Intensity: 4/5
Complexity: 4/5
Balance: 4/5
Finish: 4/5
Pale garnet color.
Aromas of barnyard, red fruit.
Dry. Flavors of barnyard, red cherry, tar, rose petal, leather. Rich, firm tannins, and high acidity. Amazing complexity and amazing despite barnyard notes.
Intensity: 4/5
Complexity: 5/5
Balance: 4/5
Finish: 4/5
Pale garnet color.
Aromas of barnyard, red fruit.
Dry. Flavors of barnyard, red cherry, tar, rose petal, leather. Rich, firm tannins, and high acidity. Amazing complexity and amazing despite barnyard notes.
Intensity: 4/5
Complexity: 5/5
Balance: 4/5
Finish: 4/5