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.
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 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 Aldo Conterno Barolo Bussia

2013 Aldo Conterno Piedmont Barolo Bussia

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ALDO CONTERNO 

2013 BAROLO BUSSIA
PIEDMONT, ITALY 

2013 Aldo Conterno Barolo Bussia
When considering a list of Barolo’s top producers, it would be impossible to exclude Aldo Conterno. Inspired by the modern style of Angelo Gaja, Aldo cut a path that includes both modern and old worlds.  Old world Barolos are know for tannins and heavy structure, which allows them to age forever, however they often need to be cellared for years before consuming.  The more modern Barolos are accessible after just a few years in the bottle and they open up to be brilliant and compelling wines that are easy to love.  The 2013 Barolo Bussia has already earned 96 Points from James Suckling and offers a gorgeous expression of Nebbiollo.  It’s a wine that will leave you thinking about it for days after trying it.  
Bussia, one of the “cru” vineyard/districts located in the commune of Monforte d’Alba is one of the most desirable growing areas in Barolo and is famous for the dynamic terroir which expresses a penetrating structure and focused concentration of fruit.   Aldo’s Barolo Bussia comes from three distinct blocks in Bussia and offers old world complexity with new world accessibility.  At under $100/btl there are few Barolos in my mind that would compare.  
 
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
 
Customers who enjoy Aldo Conterno’s Barolo Bussia may also enjoy these two terrific Italian wines…
2011 Livio Sassetti Pertimali Brunello di Montalcino
 2013 Parusso Barolo Bussia
LIVIO SASSETTI
2011 PERTIMALI
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
Retails at:  $55.00/btl
 
Your Price: $44.99/btl 

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From The Wine Enthusiast, “Floral and refined, this opens with alluring scents of violet, iris, perfumed berry, earth and a whiff of pressed powder. The savory, elegant palate offers up juicy wild cherry, raspberry, truffle, anise and white pepper framed in a network of silky tannins…”  94 Points
 
PARUSSO
2013 BAROLO BUSSIA
PIEDMONT, ITALY 
Retails at:  $95.00/btl
 
Your Price: $74.99/btl

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From James Suckling: “This is one of the greatest wines I have ever had from here. So much ripe cherry, raspberry and floral character. Medium body, super-refined tannins and a long and flavorful finish. So much going on here…”  97 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

Bruna Grimaldi 2013 Badarina Barolo Piedmont Italy

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BRUNA GRIMALDI
2013 BADARINA BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY
LIMITED… WILL SELL OUT TODAY!
It’s human nature to want to break records, whether it be in sports, the stock market and it’s even the basis behind Norris and Ross McWhirter’s Guiness Book of World Records.  We have a record of our own in Bruna Grimaldi’s 2013 Badarina Barolo… With a 97 Point score, this is the highest scoring Barolo that we’ve ever offered.  This could be the poster-child for classic Piedmont Barolo with stunningly penetrating fruit, a vivid and complex core and a loooooong hedonistic finish.  At under fifty per bottle, this wine might set another record…  the fewest minutes ’till sold-out.
Introducing their first vintage in the 1960’s, it wasn’t until 1999 that a younger generation of Grimaldi’s modernized the winery and took it to the next level.  Arising from a single vineyard in Serralunga, the Badarina Barolo spends around 2 years in oak and nearly a year in bottle before release.  If you love Barolo or simply like some of the best things in life, you’ll love this…
BRUNA GRIMALDI
2013 BADARINA BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY
Retails at:  $75.00/btl
Your Price: $47.99/btl Click to Order
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From the Wine Enthusiast, “A balsamic note of menthol, dark culinary spice, crushed herb, new leather and wild berry aromas come together in the glass. Firmly structured but extraordinarily refined, the palate doles out red cherry, crushed strawberry, tobacco and cinnamon set against tightly woven refined tannins. Lively acidity lends balance and energy while a licorice note wraps around the lingering finish. Drink 2025-2043.” 97 Points, Cellar Selection

 

Customers who enjoy Bruna Grimaldi’s Badarina Barolo, may also enjoy these two terrific Italian wines…
LA RASINA
2012 BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO
Your Price: $45/btl
From James Suckling, “A wonderfully precise and clear red with cherry, plum and floral character. Hints of lemons. Full body and firm and velvety tannins. Long and tannic. Yet this still shows polish. Better in 2020.” 
 
 
 96 Points
SILVIO GRASSO
2013 BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY
Your Price: $34.99/btl
Pushing the boundaries of tangible value, to find a beautifully crafted and classically styled Barolo at under forty per bottle isn’t just an anomaly… It’s a dominating statement in terms of what’s achievable and available at this price point.  Created in a warm, intense style with a solid core and beautifully persistent flavors, we simply couldn’t believe how great this Barolo was for $34.99/btl…