Acclaim

“The 2011 Barolo Cerretta is a bit more textured and immediate than the Rapèt, with a greater sense of immediacy and less in the way of aromatic nuance. The tannins are naturally quite firm, even for the year, but the overall sense of balance is terrific. Mentholated, spiced notes add nuance and texture on the finish.” – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Sept. 2014

“Dark red cherries, plums, smoke, licorice, savory herbs and leather are some of the many notes that flesh out in the 2011 Barolo Rapèt. Pliant, expressive and resonant, the 2011 stands out for its depth and power. Firm yet well-integrated tannins support the aromatic, perfumed fruit. The 2011 is savory, rich and massively endowed. Tasted next to the Cerretta, the Rapèt is more perfumed, lifted and aromatic.” – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Sept. 2014

“The Barolo Sorì Ginestra is deep, powerful and explosive, with a huge center of fruit. Dark cherries, plums, tobacco, menthol and licorice are all very much alive in the glass. Unusually pliant and resonant, the 2011 is quite appealing today, although I expect it will clamp down in bottle for at least a few years.” – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Sept. 2014

“The 2011 Barolo Vigna del Gris is soft, textured and nicely layered in the glass. Sweet rose petal, mint, cinnamon and wild flowers are all layered together in an exquisite, silky Barolo built on pure texture and class. This is a surprisingly open, approachable Barolo that should drink well with minimum cellaring.” – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Sept. 2014

“Conterno-Fantino’s 2011 Barolo Mosconi opens with high-toned aromatics reminiscent of black cherries in liqueur, cloves, menthol, spices and leather. The 2011 is compact, rich and intense, with plenty of depth. The warmth of the vintage is especially evident in the bouquet. It will be interesting to see what further time in bottle brings.” – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Sept. 2014

“The 2011 Barolo Cannubi is the ripest and most overt of these three 2011 Barolos from Einaudi. Dense, powerful and immediate, the 2011 will appeal most to readers who enjoy extroverted wines. There is no shortage of intensity in the rich, dark fruit, although personally I would like to see a little more site expression.” – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Sept. 2014

Editor’s Choice “Made from a blend of 60% Alicante, 30% Nocera and 10% Calabrese, this wine has aromas of violet, tilled earth, mature plum, prune and black cooking spice. The soft, savory palate delivers ripe black cherry and black berry, accented by black pepper and nutmeg. It’s balanced, with velvety tannins and fresh acidity. Made for early drinking pleasure, so enjoy soon.” -Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast Sept. 2014

“A blend of 60% Nero d’Avola, 30% Sangiovese and 10% Corinto, this structured wine opens with fragrances of mature plum, resin and balsamic. The dense palate offers chewy tannins and delivers succulent flavors of black cherry and ripe black berry that are layered with black pepper, clove and mocha.” -Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast, Sept. 2014

“Leather, game, wet soil and ripe berry aromas take center stage on this savory blend of Nerello Mascalese and Nero d’Avola. The lively, easy-drinking palate delivers ripe black cherry and raspberry, accented by white pepper and mineral notes. Fresh acidity brightens up the dense fruit.” -Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast, Sept. 2014

“Made from 80- to 100-year-old vines, this compelling, earthy wine initially opens with funky aromas that burn off in the glass to reveal leather, tilled soil, blue flower and ripe berry. The palate delivers black and red cherry accented by white pepper, cinnamon and black pepper. With firm but velvety tannins, give this a few more years to let it fully develop; drink 2016-2026.” -Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast, Sept. 2014