Barolo, Cuneo, Piedmont, Italy
Presented double-blind at Tasting Group. The wine appears a deep garnet color with a near opaque core with significant rim variation. Medium+ viscosity with light staining of the tears and some signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of desiccated and ripe black and red fruits: wisened blackberries and raspberries, prune, leather, tobacco, earth, baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium. Initial conclusions: this has got at least 30+ years of age; certainly seen substantial new French oak and while the fruit was abundant, it’s fading. Hmmm…it could be Cabernet Sauvignon-based from a warm climate in an otherwise challenging year. The color, staining, oak treatment and structure basically lead me to Bordeaux varieties so I was vacillating between Napa or Bordeaux. However, I felt like there was enough fruit and power to call Napa, Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine, with 30+ years of age. LOL…wow. 1997 Marchesi…smh. Sadly, it makes sense. The solar nature of 1997 have the power and oak treatment from this producer was firmly in the modern camp by this time. This is why I’m not attracted to Barolo made in this style. It could be from anywhere. So thankful there is a shift back towards more traditional techniques by so many in Piemonte. A good wine…just no sense of place. Drink now.
Presented double-blind at Tasting Group. The wine appears a deep garnet color with a near opaque core with significant rim variation. Medium+ viscosity with light staining of the tears and some signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of desiccated and ripe black and red fruits: wisened blackberries and raspberries, prune, leather, tobacco, earth, baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium. Initial conclusions: this has got at least 30+ years of age; certainly seen substantial new French oak and while the fruit was abundant, it’s fading. Hmmm…it could be Cabernet Sauvignon-based from a warm climate in an otherwise challenging year. The color, staining, oak treatment and structure basically lead me to Bordeaux varieties so I was vacillating between Napa or Bordeaux. However, I felt like there was enough fruit and power to call Napa, Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine, with 30+ years of age. LOL…wow. 1997 Marchesi…smh. Sadly, it makes sense. The solar nature of 1997 have the power and oak treatment from this producer was firmly in the modern camp by this time. This is why I’m not attracted to Barolo made in this style. It could be from anywhere. So thankful there is a shift back towards more traditional techniques by so many in Piemonte. A good wine…just no sense of place. Drink now.
Mar 18th, 2025
Standard old-school Barolo... some of that large format cellar oak smell. The 2018 isn't overly noteworthy.
Standard old-school Barolo... some of that large format cellar oak smell. The 2018 isn't overly noteworthy.
Jan 12th, 2025
Not overly complex yet.
Very elegant though
Not overly complex yet.
Very elegant though
Aldehydic. Aggressive tannins. No fruit.
Aldehydic. Aggressive tannins. No fruit.
Dec 30th, 2020Pretty. Stone fruit (?!) Light body. Hot finish.
Pretty. Stone fruit (?!) Light body. Hot finish.
Mar 23rd, 2019
Drinking nicely but will be even better in 5-10 more years. Enjoyed with crab au gratin (rich enough to stand up next to this) and steak.
Drinking nicely but will be even better in 5-10 more years. Enjoyed with crab au gratin (rich enough to stand up next to this) and steak.
Dec 27th, 2018
Vintage 1989 - #piemonte #nebbiolo Alive and kicking after 29 years. Earthy taste, minerals and kardemom in smell. A bit severe, will lose this with further cellaring
Vintage 1989 - #piemonte #nebbiolo Alive and kicking after 29 years. Earthy taste, minerals and kardemom in smell. A bit severe, will lose this with further cellaring
Mar 6th, 2018Nice bottle development. Austere. Very evolved. Little fruit remaining.
Nice bottle development. Austere. Very evolved. Little fruit remaining.
Jan 25th, 2018
