2014 Fratelli Alessandria Barolo

2014 Fratelli Alessandria Barolo

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FRATELLI ALESSANDRIA 2014 Fratelli Alessandria Barolo

2014 BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY

 
Some of the best things in life are emotionally resonating, and that sensation can come from anything that moves us.  A great speech, poem, song, play, picture, and in this case, Fratellia Alessandria Barolo…  At a recent trade tasting at Farmstead in St Helena, this wine moved us more than ANY other wine at the event and if you could only see what it was up against, you’d have already ordered a case.  The wine is stunningly detailed and powerfully expressive.  It bounds from the glass with black cherries, wild plum, pipe tobacco, crushed mint and candied orange peel.  With brilliant evolution and finesse, this remarkable illustration of Barolo has already earned solid reviews from two of the Country’s top critics.  Of course, with the limited number of cases of this gem that make their way into the US, you’ll want to move quickly… 
 
We certainly weren’t the first to discover this gorgeous Barolo… It was originally recognized by King Carlo Alberto in 1843 for having notable quality.  The Fratelli Estate crowns the small hilltop village of Verduno, and the 2014 includes fruit from Riva Rocca, Rocca dell’Olmo, Neirane, Campasso and Bosco vineyards, and it’s truly one of the best 2014 Barolo’s under $100/btl that I’ve tasted.  I strongly recommend securing a case. 
 
FRATELLI ALESSANDRIA
2014 BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY
Retails at:  $54.00/btl
 
Your Price: $47.99/btl 
 
Vinous Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
“Now with a few months in bottle, Alessandria’s 2014 Barolo is a real powerhouse. Smoke, scorched earth, tobacco, menthol, licorice and wild cherry all convey an impression of gravitas, as this potent, muscular Barolo shows off its personality. The 2014 has quite a bit of density and richness at this level. I won’t be surprised if it turns out even better than this note suggests. There is so much going on here.” 
 
91 + Points
“The Fratelli Alessandria 2014 Barolo is a streamlined and elegant wine that imparts delicate tones of wild berry, spice, licorice, rosemary twig and candied orange peel. This is a classic expression and an absolute embodiment of Barolo tradition. The finish is long and silky with lingering tones of smoke and crushed mineral. This wine is very nicely done. It ages slowly in large Slavonian oak casks for three years...” 
 
91 Points
Customers who enjoy Fratelli Alessandria may also enjoy these two stunning Barolos…
 
2014 Rocche Costamagna Barolo
 2014 Giacomo Grimaldi Barolo
ROCCHE COSTAMAGNA
2014 BAROLO 
ROCCHE DELL’ANNUNZIATA
 
Your Price: $54.99/btl 

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From Wine Enthusiast: “This opens with red berry, new leather and eucalyptus aromas. The firmly structured palate offers red cherry, star anise and a hint of white pepper alongside close-grained tannins and bright acidity…”  90 Points
GIACOMO GRIMALDI
2014 BAROLO 
PIEDMONT, ITALY
 
Your Price: $42.99/btl 

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From The Wine Spectator:  “Cherry and plum flavors resonate throughout this red, joined by notes of eucalyptus, tar, tobacco and spice. The fruit persists, with a firm grip of tannins as this fades on the finish…”  92 Points

2016 Azelia Langhe Nebbiolo

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AZELIA

2016 LANGHE NEBBIOLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY

 
In the same way that Rosso di Montalcino is considered baby Brunello, Langhe Nebbiolo is a more ready to drink, affordable cousin to Barolo and Barbaresco.  These Italian icons are both made with 100% Nebbiolo grapes and while Langhe can include declassified Barolo and Barbaresco but can also be from other regions within Piedmont, and doesn’t need to meet the same aging requirements.  Stylistically Langhe wines are flashy with more forward, vibrant fruit, and they’re styled to be much more approachable in their youth.  One of my favorites is by Azelia and at $25/btl it’s simply one of the best values in the shop.
 
When referencing a history of terrific wines from Azelia, Robert Parker alerts readers that “wines from… Azelia, can hold their own with the very best in the region” and “prices are exceedingly fair considering the quality of what goes into the bottle.” The 2016 enters your palate with marvelous intensity, and is chock full of vibrant red fruits, toasted spice, dried rose petals and finely grained tannins.  2016 was an idyllic vintage in Piedmont producing larger than average yields of perfectly ripened grapes.
 
AZELIA
2016 LANGHE NEBBIOLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY
Retails at:  $28/btl
 
Your Price: $25/btl 

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2016 Langhe Nebbiolo gives us a very encouraging glimpse into the future. Nebbiolo from this cool vintage is phenomenal, and we should have some beautiful surprises very soon when the 2016 Barbarescos and Barolos are released. For now, we can enjoy a wine like this. Aged in stainless steel, this expression opens to a beautiful ruby hue with dark garnet highlights. The effect is crisp, luminous and bright. The varietal purity is especially evident on the bouquet, thanks to cassis, wild rose, blueberry and fresh almond aromas. The vines are 20 years old on average.” 91 Points
 
Customers that enjoy Azelia’s Langhe Nebbiolo may also enjoy these two stunning wines… 
2016 Clos Du Caillou Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Unique VV 2015 Livio Sassetti Rosso Di Montalcino
CLOS Du CAILLOU
2016 COTES Du RHONE
CUVEE UNIQUE VV
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl

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Robert Parker’s Review on the Regular Cotes to Rhone (The VV is Even Better)…  “The estate’s entry-level wine, the 2016 Cotes du Rhone Le Caillou is a stunning value, offering gluggable cherry and blueberry fruit, ample weight and a velvety texture. This Grenache-dominated blend should drink well for the next 5 years.”  90 Points
LIVIO SASSETTI
2015 ROSSO DI MONTALCINO
MONTALCINO, ITALY
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl

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Absolutely hands-on in every way possible, each individual wine produced by LivioSassetti is hand-tended by Livio and his two sons.  With attention to every detail, their 2015 Rosso is stacked with concentrated red cherries, black plum and intermixed are detailed notes of dried rose petals, violets and spice rack.
2015 Livio Sassetti Rosso Di Montalcino

2015 Livio Sassetti Rosso Di Montalcino Italy

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LIVIO SASSETTI 2015 Livio Sassetti Rosso Di Montalcino

2015 ROSSO DI MONTALCINO
MONTALCINO, ITALY

 
Ever wonder why Rosso di Montalcino is so much less expensive than Brunello di Montalcino?  After all, they’re both produced from 100% Sangiovese Grosso grapes grown in the Italy’s iconic Montalcino region.  While legal requirements dictate that Brunello is aged for two years in oak and 4 months in bottle, they are typically aged for a total of 50 months total before release.  Rosso’s are only required to be aged for one year before release, often resulting in a fresher, more vibrant red that can be enjoyed young.  A gorgeous example is from Livio Sassetti and I always jump at the chance to taste any wine from an Iconic producer of Brunello.  Their Brunello is one of the best in the shop and scored 98 Points and is also a favorite of Robert Parker. Antonio Galloni wrote that Livio Sassetti is “One of Italy’s finest.”   At under thirty per bottle, their Rosso is an excellent value.
 
Absolutely hands-on in every way possible, each individual wine produced by Livio Sassetti is hand-tended by Livio and his two sons.  With attention to every detail, their 2015 Rosso is stacked with concentrated red cherries, black plum and intermixed are detailed notes of dried rose petals, violets and spice rack.  I strongly recommend securing your case… You’ll be seriously glad you did.
 
LIVIO SASSETTI
2015 ROSSO DI MONTALCINO
MONTALCINO, ITALY
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl 
 
Winery Notes: “Ruby red color with purple hues. Deep black plum, cassis, violet, fresh dark earth and herb flavors flow on a silky palate to a deliciously long, velvety finish.”
 
Customers who enjoy Livio Sassetti Rosso di Montalcino may also enjoy these two terrific Italian wines…
2013 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello Di Montalcino 2013 Salcheto Vino Nobile Di Montelpulciano
LIVIO SASSETTI
2013 PERTIMALI
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
Retails at:  $80.00/btl
 
Your Price: $69.99/btl

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From James Suckling: “This is intense and complex yet subtle with fantastic aromas of rose petal, plum, clove and fresh mushroom. Hints of stems. Full body, focused and polished with a linear line of tannins and fabulous length. A beauty. Better after 2021 but already a joy to taste.” 98 Points
SALCHETO
2013 RISERVA
VINO NOBILE DI MONTELPULCIANO
SANGIOVESE BLEND
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl

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From Vinous: “... Powerful and ample, with tons of depth, the 2013 is impressive. Fresh dark cherry, spice, licorice and menthol notes abound in this vibrant, beautifully resonant Vino Nobile…. In a word: superb!”  94 Points
2011 La Fiorita Brunello Di Montalcino Italy

2011 La Fiorita Brunello Di Montalcino

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LA FIORITA 2011 La Fiorita Brunello Di Montalcino Italy

2011 BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
MONTALCINO, ITALY

 
Not all wines are meant for aging, but Brunello di Montalcino certainly is.  It’s required to be aged for a minimum of 5 years after harvest, with at least 2 years in oak, and there’s good reason behind this…  One of the biggest is that Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello) is a thicker-skinned grape and is known for producing bold flavors, high acids and big tannins.  When you age Brunello, those same traits that can be astringent when they’re young, transform into a soft, complex wine with an irresistible presence on the palate over time.  When you taste a Brunello that’s been perfectly aged, you’ll know right away… The 2011 La Fiorita Brunello is velvety soft, perfectly balanced, delightfully long and complex and absolutely stunning right now .  If I paid $150/btl for this in a restaurant I would be thrilled.  At fifty bucks, I want that experience every time I can get it…
 
It’s not easy to make a wine that’s going to be singing this beautifully nearly a decade after the fruit was harvested.  It takes a great winemaker to accomplish this and La Fiorita is made by one of the best… Roberto Cipresso made a name for himself while consulting with icons Poggio Antico, Archival Ferrer and Case Basse…  If you’re searching for a perfectly ready to drink Italian wine, this one should absolutely not be missed.
 
LA FIORITA
2011 BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
MONTALCINO, ITALY
Retails at   $60.00/btl
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl  

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“Sweet cherry flavors are framed by licorice, tobacco and spice notes in this smooth red. Firms up enough on the finish to warrant a year or two of aging, but this should find equilibrium soon. Best from 2017 through 2026...”  91 Points
 “… opens to delicate tones of wild berry, wet earth and dried rose petal. It delivers these aromas with a soft touch and lasting intensity. These ethereal aromas glide by the senses with smooth transitions. The wine leaves an equally graceful impression in the mouth…” 91 Points
Customers who enjoy La Fiorita Brunello may also enjoy these two stunning Brunellos…
2013 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello Di Montalcino 2013 La Rasina Brunello Di Montalcino
LIVIO SASSETTI
2013 PERTIMALI
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
Retails at:  $80.00/btl
 
Your Price: $69.99/btl

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 From James Suckling:“This is intense and complex yet subtle with fantastic aromas of rose petal, plum, clove and fresh mushroom. Hints of stems. Full body, focused and polished with a linear line of tannins and fabulous length. A beauty. Better after 2021 but already a joy to taste.”  98 Points
LA RASINA
2013 BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl

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From James Suckling, “A wealth of ripe fruit with spice, tobacco, cedar and plum aromas that follow through to a full body, chewy and dense tannins and a ripe and delicious finish. A solid and stoic young red. Give it three or four years to soften. Made from organic grapes.”  96 Points
2013 Salcheto Riserva Vino Nobile di Montepulchino Sangiovese

2013 Salcheto Vino Nobile di Montelpulciano Riserva

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SALCHETO 2013 Salcheto Riserva Vino Nobile di Montepulchino Sangiovese

2013 RISERVA
VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO
TUSCANY, ITALY

 
Working with one of the top importers of boutique Italian wines in the US has its benefits… Massanois Imports supplies us with some of the highest-scoring and reputable Italian brands such as Aldo Conterno, Livio Sassetti and Parusso.  They’ve also introduced us to some stunning values from break-out boutique producers like Salcheto which launched in 2009.  Salcheto is already earning huge scores and obtaining this brand early in its life cycle offers an opportunity to stock-up while it’s still value priced.  The quality is so obviously high, that we struggled keeping the 2012 on the shelf.  The 2013 has even higher scores and a price that’s easy to swallow (pun, intended), you simply have to try this one…
 
Emerging from Tuscany’s Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, this stunning Riserva spends more than the required 2 full years in oak and a year in the bottle before release.  It’s 100% Sangiovese and the 2013 has a gorgeous perfume of sweet cherries, wild plum, leather and spices, and on the palate the wine is deep, seductive and velvety.  With the 93 and 94 Point scores on the 2013, you’ll want to secure yours before the rest of the world gets their chance.
 
SALCHETO
2013 RISERVA
VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO
TUSCANY, ITALY
Retails at:  $36.00/btl
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl

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“This is beginning to hit its stride, with sweet cherry and berry, licorice, leather, tar and iron aromas and flavors. A good dose of tannins remains, but they are well-integrated into the whole. Fine length. Drink now through 2033.” 93 Points
“… Powerful and ample, with tons of depth, the 2013 is impressive. Fresh dark cherry, spice, licorice and menthol notes abound in this vibrant, beautifully resonant Vino Nobile…. In a word: superb!“  94 Points
Customers who enjoy Salcheto Riserva may also enjoy these two stunning Italian Reds…
2014 Giacomo Grimaldi Barolo 2013 La Rasina Brunello di Montalcino
GIACOMO GRIMALDI
2014 BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY
 
Your Price: $42.99/btl

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From The Wine Spectator: “Cherry and plum flavors resonate throughout this red, joined by notes of eucalyptus, tar, tobacco and spice. The fruit persists, with a firm grip of tannins as this fades on the finish...” 92 Points
LA RASINA
2013 BRUNELLO DIMONTALCINO
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl

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From James Suckling: “A wealth of ripe fruit with spice, tobacco, cedar and plum aromas that follow through to a full body, chewy and dense tannins and a ripe and delicious finish. A solid and stoic young red. Give it three or four years to soften. Made from organic grapes.” 96 Points
2014 Giacomo Grimaldi Barolo

2014 Giacomo Grimaldi Barolo Piedmont, Italy

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GIACOMO GRIMALDI 2014 Giacomo Grimaldi Barolo

2014 BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY

 
There’s a renaissance happening in Piedmont, with some Italian producers moving towards a more elegant and approachable style of winemaking. The more traditional approach is to produce wines that are more tightly-wound, compact and need more time in the cellar before they’re ready to enjoy.  One of the best examples of the newer style of winemaking is Giacomo Grimaldi’s 2014 Barolo.  Their method of combining 12 months in oak barrels and 18 months in larger casks lends to the wines balance and approachability.  The wine still hasn’t lost its sense of history and antiquity that comes from the Barolo vineyards, one of which the Grimaldi family has owned and farmed since 1930. In fact, it’s that feeling combined with the new approach to winemaking that truly makes this wine special. We loved it so much that we bought every bottle available in California before our glasses were even emptied, and we taste pretty fast.
 
Scrumptious, focused and harmonious all come to mind when tasting this remarkable wine.  The 2014 is big and round, with penetrating fruits wrapped in black chocolates, dusted with savory spices.  This could be the poster child for that “new school” style of winemaking that once you taste it, you’ll have a tough time going back.  It is extremely limited and will most likely sell out today!
 
GIACOMO GRIMALDI
2014 BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY
 
Your Price: $42.99/btl 
 
From The Wine Spectator: “Cherry and plum flavors resonate throughout this red, joined by notes of eucalyptus, tar, tobacco and spice. The fruit persists, with a firm grip of tannins as this fades on the finish…” 92 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Giacomo Grimaldi Barolo may also enjoy these two Barolos… 
2014 Parusso Anniversary Barolo   2013 Giovanni Rosso Barolo  
PARUSSO
2014 BAROLO
ANNIVERSARY EDITION
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl
 

From Vinous: “…one of the most stunning wines of the vintage… Rich, deep and explosive on the palate, with stunning aromatic presence and overall intensity, the 2014 is remarkably vivid. Beams of supporting tannin give the wine its energy and persistence….”   94+ Points
GIOVANNI ROSSO
2013 BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl

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From The Wine Spectator: “A fruit-driven style, this red also displays ample tannins. Cherry, strawberry, floral and leafy tobacco flavors are backed by a vibrant structure, and this winds down with hints of mineral, earth and tobacco…”  93 Points

 

2013 La Rasina Brunello Di Montalcino

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LA RASINA

2013 BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
MONTALCINO, ITALY

 
Classic, profound, detailed, all perfectly describe La Rasina’s 96 point Brunello di Montalcino. The wine is intensely aromatic, focused and persistent.  The winery continues to make investments in their vineyards and winemaking, and just when we thought they couldn’t get any better, they did… La Rasina has been one of our most popular Brunellos in the shop for years, and this vintage is at an entirely new level of detail and enchantment. The 2013 is noticeably more masculine and powerfully structured with and deep layers of mineral laced red fruits, iron, Spring violets and spiced plum.  At $49.99, this Brunello truly has it all… 
 
One of the few remaining wineries in Montalcino that’s owned and farmed by a Montalcino born family, La Rasina was founded nearly 1/2 century ago.  The Estate shows a palpable dedication to excellence which is obvious in a glass of this stunning 2013 Brunello.  Further refined in oak barrels for two years, the 2013 enters from another outstanding vintage in Montalcino and one the Wine Spectator describes as producing, “balanced Brunellos with vibrant structures.”  I highly recommend a case of this classic and high-scoring Brunello.  
 
LA RASINA
2013 BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
MONTALCINO, ITALY
 
Your Price: $49.99/btl
 
From James Suckling: “A wealth of ripe fruit with spice, tobacco, cedar and plum aromas that follow through to a full body, chewy and dense tannins and a ripe and delicious finish. A solid and stoic young red. Give it three or four years to soften. Made from organic grapes.” 96 Points
 
Customers who enjoy La Rasina Brunello di Montalcino may also enjoy these two Italian wines…
2013 Giovanni Rosso, Barolo Piedmont Ital
 2011 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello Di Montalcino
GIOVANNI ROSSO
2013 BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

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From The Wine Spectator, “A fruit-driven style, this red also displays ample tannins. Cherry, strawberry, floral and leafy tobacco flavors are backed by a vibrant structure, and this winds down with hints of mineral, earth and tobacco…”  93 Points
LIVIO SASSETTI
2011 PERTIMALI
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 
Your Price: $44.99/btl 

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2015 Il Borro ‘Toscana’ Tuscany, Italy

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IL BORRO

2015 TOSCANA
TUSCANY, ITALY

 
Moving another step closer to their goal of producing the best Bordeaux styled blend outside of Bordeaux, and with a monster 97 Point score, Salvatore Ferragamo’s Il Borro from their family estate in Tuscany simply blew me away.  Many of the same attributes that led the Ferragamo’s to become one of the top luxury brands in the world, are also key in creating a wine brand at the highest level. Like their clothing line, their wine is powerfully bold, yet gorgeously elegant and remarkably detailed. With no expense spared, the family purchased 700 hectares in Tuscany which included the hilltop town of Il Borro (depicted on the label,) which they named this flagship wine after.  While you may not want to plunk down the steep tariff for a pair of their shoes, you can board the Ferragamo train and enjoy some of their stunning wine…
 
The 2015 laces together 50% Merlot, dressed with 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and is then precisely detailed with other varietals.  After meticulously hand sorting each grape, the wine is sent gravity flow into the tank where 10-20% of the juice is removed to increase concentration… James Suckling calls the 2015 the best Il Borro to date and at under $100/btl this is absolutely one of the best Tuscan wines that I’ve tasted.
 
IL BORRO
2015 TOSCANA
TUSCANY, ITALY
 
Your Price: $64.99/btl 
 
From James Suckling: “This is the best Il Borro to date with fantastic blackberry, blueberry and sandalwood aromas that follow through to a full body with masses of fruit. Yet, it remains bright and linear down the center palate. A rich and toned wine. 50 per cent merlot, 35 per cent cabernet and 15 per cent syrah…” 97 Points
 
 
Customers who enjoy Il Borro Toscana may also enjoy these two terrific Italian wines…
2013 Aldo Conterno Barolo Bussia 2013 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello Di Montalcino
ALDO CONTERNO
2013 BAROLO BUSSIA
PIEDMONT, ITALY
Retails at:  $90.00/btl
 
Your Price: $69.99/btl

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From James Suckling: “...Shows a beautiful complexity of ripe fruit such as cherries as well as orange peel undertones with lemon and pineapple highlights. Medium body and well-defined tannins.”  96 Points
LIVIO SASSETTI
2013 PERTIMALI
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
Retails at:  $80.00/btl
 
Your Price: $69.99/btl

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From James Suckling: “This is intense and complex yet subtle with fantastic aromas of rose petal, plum, clove and fresh mushroom. Hints of stems. Full body, focused and polished with a linear line of tannins and fabulous length. A beauty…”  98 Points

 

2013 Cavalier Barolomeo Altenasso Barolo

2013 Cavalier Bartolomeo ‘Altenasso’ Barolo Piedmont, Italy

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CAVALIER BARTOLOMEO

2013 ALTENASSO BAROLO 
PIEDMONT, ITALY

2013 Cavalier Barolomeo Altenasso Barolo
In wine, how important is the vintage?  A great vintage usually means the grapes had the ideal conditions needed to develop flavors gradually, and to optimal maturity.  Things like heat spikes can prematurely advance the fruit, affecting the depth, structure, acid and balance. Rains near harvest can balloon grapes with un-needed water, diluting flavors.  Weather is unpredictable and when an area experiences optimum conditions, it always piques my interest for the wines that will come out of it.  Hence, the 2013 Cavalier Bartolomeo Altenasso Barolo. The 2013 vintage in Piedmont is one of the areas best, earning a vintage rating of 97 Points. The Wine Spectator’s Vintage Chart goes back to 1978 and there have only been 3 other 97 point vintages and none that have scored higher.  Not only are 2013 vintage Barolos hard to find due to increased demand, but they’re nearly impossible to find under forty bucks…
 
An absolute classic depiction of 2013 Barolo that offers up a flower-infused bouquet of dried rose petals, crushed violets, tart raspberry, pipe tobacco with hints of leather.  It’s unbelievably good for the price. And don’t just take my word for it…  This wine is poured by the glass at Michael Chiarello’s popular Bottega restaurant in Yountville.  Keep in mind that Barolos this good that are priced this low never stick around for very long…  
 
CAVALIER BARTOLOMEO
2013 ALTENASSO BAROLO 
PIEDMONT, ITALY
Retails at:  $80.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
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From The Wine Spectator: “This is spicy, with a touch of medicinal herbs shading the core of cherry, leather and tobacco. Tar and mineral elements chime in on the lengthy finish. Lean and sinewy. Best from 2021 through 2026. 800 cases made.”  91 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Cavalier Bartolomeo’s Altenasso Barolo may also enjoy these two Italian wines…
2011 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello Di Montalcino 2013 Giovanni Rosso Barolo
LIVIO SASSETTI
2011 PERTIMALI
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 
Your Price: $44.99/btl 

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GIOVANNI ROSSO
2013 BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 

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From The Wine Spectator, “A fruit-driven style, this red also displays ample tannins. Cherry, strawberry, floral and leafy tobacco flavors are backed by a vibrant structure, and this winds down with hints of mineral, earth and tobacco...”  93 Points
2013 Giovanni Rosso Barolo

2013 Giovanni Rosso Barolo Piedmont Italy

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GIOVANNI ROSSO

2013 BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY

2013 Giovanni Rosso Barolo
How much would you expect to pay for a great bottle of Barolo? On a list of fifty 2013 Barolos that scored 93 Points by the Wine Spectator, the average price was $81 per bottle… At $39.99 Giovanni Rosso’s 2013 Barolo got my attention.  I love great Italian wine… so much that when I come across one that hits my palate just right, that’s priced right as well, I grab as much as I can… Giovanni Rosso’s 2013 Barolo reflects this perfectly, and at under forty per bottle this 93 point Barolo is an absolute classic, offering a pleasure-induced bouquet of dried violets, tart raspberry, pipe tobacco with hints of wild mint.  It’s unbelievably good for the price…
2013 was an exceptional year for Barolo and the Wine Spectator rated the overall vintage 97 points, saying that it’s the best since 2010.  On the palate this wine is both elegant and finely sculpted with excellent form and noticeable sophistication.  The 2013 has so much elegance that it’s really hard to resist now and can be enjoyed immediately or cellared for a couple decades.  Barolos this good that are priced this low never stick around for very long…  I highly recommend grabbing a case while this one is available.   
 
GIOVANNI ROSSO
2013 BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY
Retails at:  $48.00/btl
 
Your Price: $39.99/btl 
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From The Wine Spectator, “A fruit-driven style, this red also displays ample tannins. Cherry, strawberry, floral and leafy tobacco flavors are backed by a vibrant structure, and this winds down with hints of mineral, earth and tobacco…” 93 Points
 
Customers who enjoy Giovanni Rosso’s Barolo, may also enjoy these two terrific Italian wines…
2012 Salcheto Vino Nobil di Montelpulciano Riserva 2013 Bibbiano Chianti Classico
SALCHETO
2012 RISERVA
VINO NOBILE di MONTELPULCIANO
(SANGIOVESE BLEND)
 
Your Price: $34.99/btl 
 
From The Wine Spectator: “Dark notes of blackberry and plum are reinforced by molasses and licorice flavors. Dense and meaty, this red is surprisingly nimble given the power and concentration. What this needs is an aged, grilled steak. Drink now through 2025.” 
93  Points
BIBBIANO
GRAN SELEZIONE
2013 CHIANTI CLASSICO
VIGNA DEL CAPANNINO
 
Your Price: $34.99/btl 
 
From The Wine Spectator: “A savory example, featuring tobacco, earth, wild herb and underbrush notes enveloping a core of fading cherry. Balanced and finishing dry, with tobacco and iron accents lingering. Settling in nicely, with a few years more to go…” 
93 Points