Tasting Notes

97
Robert Parker Wine Advocate Antonio Galloni - 26 Apr 12
The 2008 Barolo Gavarini Vigna Chiniera is flat-out great. Sweet roses, spices, mint, flowers and red berries are some of the notes that emerge from this profound, utterly moving Barolo. The 2008 possesses dazzling inner perfume, endless layers of bright red fruit and stunning overall balance. Fine, silky tannins frame the extraordinarily elegant finish. This is a fabulous wine from Gianluca Grasso and his family. Chalky notes frame an energetic, brilliant finish sprinkled with shades of the 1989. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2033. I could feel my heart racing as I tasted Gianluca Grasso’s 2008s. Both 2008 Baroli are drop-dead gorgeous wines that capture the purest essence of hillside Monforte brilliance. The 2008s have begun to shut down since I first tasted them from bottle in November, 2011. The focus, length and sheer pedigree, however, have always been on full display. My advice? Buy the 2008s and forget about them for a good decade-plus. Two decades would be better. These remain some of the most fairly priced, ageworthy wines on the planet. Congratulations to the Grasso family for two monumental wines that embody everything that makes Barolo so magnificent. These are both must-have wines. Various American importers, including: Martin Scott Wines, Little Neck, NY; tel. (516) 327-0808; Langdon Shiverick Imports, Cleveland, OH; tel. (213) 483-5900; Classic Wine Imports, Norwood, MA; tel. (800) 862-4585; Admirality Beverage Co. Columbia Distributing Company, Portland, Oregon; tel. (503) 289-9600
Drinking Date: 2018 - 2033
Barolo Vineyard Fine Wine

Barolo

Barolo, the "King of Wines," is a prestigious red from Piedmont, Italy, made exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes. Known for deep complexity, Barolo offers rich flavours of dark cherries, roses, truffles, and spices, with high acidity and firm tannins. It ages exceptionally well, evolving in depth and nuance. Barolo's diverse terroirs create a range of styles, from powerful to delicate. Top producers include Gaja, Bruno Giacosa, Giuseppe Rinaldi, and Marchesi di Barolo, all of whom exemplify Barolo's tradition and quality.