Jeb Dunnuck (99)

The EABA is more Syrah-dominated and checks in as 65% Syrah, 22% Mourvèdre, 10% Grenache, and the rest Viognier that saw plenty of stems and close to two years in 50% new French oak. Its inky purple hue is followed by a sensational bouquet of bloody blue fruits, black raspberries, iron, ground pepper, baking spices, and who knows what else. Incredibly complex and nuanced (yet intense) aromatically, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, layered, concentrated mouthfeel, and a finish that won't quit. It’s certainly one of the biggest, richest wines in the lineup, yet like all of Jim's wines, it remains light on its feet, has brilliant purity of fruit, and is as drinkable as could be.

Vinous (94)

The 2018 Barolo is a wine of extreme elegance and nuance. Dried red cherry, tobacco, dried flowers, mint and sweet spice are all nicely lifted in this sublime, delicate Barolo. All the elements fall into place so effortlessly. The 2018 naturally does not have the body of more important years, but it offers tons of persistence and fine balance. It has closed down quite a bit since I first tasted it a few months ago, which is probably a good sign. An opened bottle just got better and better over time.

Wine Advocate (98+)

Coming to market this fall, the Bartolo Mascarello 2019 Barolo represents a classic vintage in between two challenging growing seasons. Both 2018 and 2020 were hotter than 2019, resulting in higher alcohol levels. With fruit harvested on October 8th and 9th, this expression from 2019 shows extra freshness and a more streamlined style compared to the texturally generous 2020 or the softer and more open-knit 2018. Extraction and structure came easily in 2019, and delicate pump-overs sufficed. Maria Teresa Mascarello opted against submerged cap fermentations in 2022, 2019, 2017 and 2013. It was performed in 2016, 2014 and 2010, however. The fruit represents a blend of Monrobiolo in Bussia (a site with a lease that ends in 2025), Rue and Cannubi in Barolo and Rocche dell’Annunziata in La Morra. San Lorenzo will return to the blend in 2020. This bottle promises a decisive, vertical delivery of fruit (lots of "skeleton and bones") with a pretty moment of crunch, elegant acidic freshness and tannic structure. If you are nostalgic for a tight, acidity-driven Barolo that is good for long cellar aging, the 2019 is for you.

Vinous (98)

The 2019 Barolo Cannubi is a powerhouse. A Barolo of real substance and depth, the 2019 packs a huge punch. It offers a great foil to the finesse of Monvigliero. Black cherry, lavender, spice, menthol and leather infuse the 2019 with tons of complexity. Here, too, the tannins are wonderfully integrated into the wine's fabric, but make no mistake about it, the 2019 has a ton of tannin!

Vinous (99)

The 2019 Barolo Monvigliero is a knock-out. What a wine. Rich and layered in the glass, with striking textural intensity, the 2019 unfurls beautifully with a bit of coaxing. All the elements are so well put together for a young wine. Crushed rose petal, mint, sage, rose petal and sweet pipe tobacco lend striking nuance to this dynamic, vibrant Barolo. The 2019 is quite simply magnificent. Its splendor only grows over time.

Halliday Wine Companion (98)

87% Cabernet sauvignon, with 7/3/2/1% merlot/cabernet franc/malbec/petit verdot. Matured for 15 months in barrique, 45% new. Cassis and red licorice on the nose, bay and salt bush, too. The palate is salty and fine with layers upon layers of spice and texture. The tannins are like finely textured gills, stacked as delicately as the folds in a mushroom. The length of flavour unfurls and extends across the palate, taking so long to fade that this entire tasting note is possible off one sip. The rest are just for pleasure. Drink it now, or in 40+ years from now… both will be possible.

Wine Advocate (95)

The 2020 Estate Chardonnay matured for 10 months in about 20% new oak and an additional six months in stainless steel. It has deep scents of baked apples, toast, honey and hay with hints of chaparral and cream. The medium-bodied palate offers surprising concentration, exploding with savory apple flavors. It has a satiny texture, bright balancing acidity and a long, flavorful finish.

Wine Advocate (96)

The 2020 Pinot Noir Estate is concentrated and structured and will benefit from more bottle time. Medium ruby, it has intense aromas of dried cranberry, burnt orange peel, cinnamon stick, aniseed, tar and chaparral. The medium-bodied palate is chalky and fresh with crunchy red fruits and loads of botanical and earthy accents, and it finishes with a touch of sweet spice across the finish.

Wine Advocate (92+)

This is a new wine that was only made in this vintage to address low yields and difficult growing conditions. In truth, it was also produced in 2002 for the same reasons. The 2014 Barolo is a blend of Nebbiolo grapes from the Grasso family's best vineyard sites: Casa Maté and Gavarini Chiniera. In a very happy and nostalgic way, this wine brings us back in time to when Barolo was more streamlined and linear in style. The limestone-rich soils of Gavarini Chiniera give the wine its aromatic profile with delicate tones of wild berry and blue flower. The Casa Maté site provides the robust texture and structure you taste here. This wine was designed to be offered at a lower price point (that's great news for us!). It offers an accessible personality that makes it easy to enjoy at your favorite Italian restaurant. I put the plus sign next to my score to underline the value you get here.

Vinous (96)

Grasso's 2017 Barolo Gavarini Chiniera is fabulous. In fact, the Gavarini is easily one of the wines of the vintage because it retains all of its classic signatures, which is also the sign of a first-class vineyard. Bright and vibrant in the glass, the Gavarini pulses with energy. Crushed red flowers, mint, chalk, white pepper, cinnamon and orange peel give the 2017 a super-classic Nebbiolo profile, as expressed in a relatively high-altitude site. The precision and finesse of the tannins - so hard to find in 2017- elevates the Gavarini into the realm of the sublime.

Wine Advocate (97)

The last time we saw this iconic wine was in 2013 (a vintage that earned a perfect score). Following up on that success, the Elio Grasso 2015 Barolo Riserva Rüncot is a generous, open-knit Nebbiolo that has much of the warmth and sunshine locked deep within its core. The bouquet reveals broad brush aromas of black fruit, blackberry preserves, smoky tar and baked plum. With 7,000 bottles made, this Riserva is smooth and velvety in texture. There's no reason why it can't hold until the mid-century mark.

Wine Advocate (90+)

I absolutely have a soft spot for the Pelaverga grape that achieves such beautiful, but unusual, characteristics when given the chance. The 2018 Verduno Pelaverga Speziale is a happy and cheerful wine destined for easy-drinking occasions like with pizza or wood-fire flatbread with spicy sausage and broccoli. Native to Verduno in Piedmont, the grape typically shows a strong layer of freshly milled white pepper. That's exactly what you get in this cool and balanced vintage. This is a lean-bodied red to drink within the next 18 months.

Wine Spectator (93)

Pretty, featuring rose, cherry, raspberry and mint flavors, with a touch of mineral. Supple, harmonious and elegant, offering a long finish. The aftertaste is tinged with orange peel and tobacco notes. Best from 2021 through 2036. 4,500 cases made.

Wine Spectator (94)

Elegant and expressive, this red evokes cherry, raspberry and floral notes, aligned to a refined structure. This is balanced and leaves an aftertaste of fruit, tobacco and iron. Best from 2023 through 2043. 3,300 cases made.

Vinous (95)

Conterno's 2017 Barolo Cerretta offers a classic expression of this Serralunga site. The tannins are just a bit nervy today, which lends a feeling of energy and brightness that is palpable. Bright floral and white pepper accents lift bright red-toned fruit in a Barolo that is wonderfully translucent and nuanced.

Wine Advocate (100)

The Giacomo Conterno 2014 Barolo Riserva Monfortino is made with 100% fruit from the Francia cru, which is not the case for the 2015 vintage (that sees 22% Arione in the blend) or likely future vintages. In a sense, this 100-point wine represents a milestone or a chapter finale in the long and exciting trajectory of Italy's collected and revered Monfortino. I've had the great fortune of tasting this wine from barrel over the course of four years and twice again this summer during my visits to the Conterno estates (in Gattinara and in Monforte d'Alba).

Immerse yourself in the world of exquisite wines with the elegant Grasso Tiziano Barolo Briccolina 2013. Originating from Italy's esteemed Piedmont region, the Grasso Tiziano estate has been renowned for its meticulously handcrafted wines since 1970. This particular vintage of Barolo Briccolina distinguishes itself with its nuanced complexity, showcasing the expert viniculture of the Grasso family.

The Grasso Tiziano Barolo Briccolina 2013 is crafted from honest Nebbiolo grapes, exclusively harvested from the Briccolina vineyard. Its maturation process embraced traditional expression, ageing in French oak barrels ensuring the perfect integration of structure and finesse. On the palate, it introduces a dazzling intrigue of ripe berries, subtle savoury notes, with whispers of truffle and spice weaving through.

Showcasing a mature, yet energetic style, this full-bodied wine is testimony to the dedication and skill that accentuates the Grasso Tiziano's legacy. The harmonious and sustained finish promises a memorable experience for the discerning wine connoisseur.

A sophisticated offering from the renowned Italian winemaker Tiziano Grasso, the Grasso Tiziano Barolo Briccolina 2014 is a remarkable example of an expertly crafted Barolo. Nestled in the heart of Piedmont, Italy, this family-run winery marries traditional techniques with modern sensibility, transforming the region's prized Nebbiolo grapes into a symphony of depth and complexity.

This standout vintage intrigues in the glass with its vibrant crimson hues, commanding the attention of the senses with an opulent bouquet of ripe red fruits, elegant oak and subtle earthy undertones. On the palate, Grasso Tiziano Barolo Briccolina 2014 resounds with an impressive structure, harmoniously balanced tannins and acidity, prolonging to an enduring, beautifully nuanced finish.

Maturing gracefully since 2014, it tells a sensory story of its sun-drenched terroir, embodying Grasso's attention to detail and masterful winemaking. The Grasso Tiziano Barolo Briccolina 2014 is a testament to the Grasso family's commitment to excellence, making it a prized addition to any wine collection.

Hailing from the esteemed Barolo region of Italy, the Grasso Tiziano Barolo Briccolina 2018 invites you on a taste journey boasting of supreme class. Its rich, ruby hues create a tantalising prelude to the complex taste profiles within. Skilfully crafted through traditional winemaking techniques, this robust, Nebbiolo varietal is hand-picked to ensure optimal ripeness - a testament to Tiziano Grasso's artisanal approach.

Maturation in both large and small oak barrels for 30 months bestows upon this Grasso Tiziano Barolo Briccolina 2018 an exquisite balance of fruit, spice, and smoky undertones. On the palate, sublime layers of red and black cherries, anise, and hints of truffle meld harmoniously, complemented by refined tannins and a seductively long finish. This wine, a product of a cooler vintage, resonates beautifully with connoisseurs seeking elegance and complexity.

From the hands of producer Tiziano Grasso, renowned for his precise crafting, Barolo Briccolina 2018 affirms the artistry of fine Italian winemaking.

The Wine Independent (100)

The 2019 Harlan Estate is deep garnet-purple in color. It swans out of the glass with graceful notions of fresh blackberries and boysenberries, leading to a core of blackcurrant pastilles and licorice, followed by suggestions of spice cake, dusty soil, cinnamon stick, and Sichuan pepper. The rich, black-fruited, full-bodied palate is sparked with electric black berry and earthy accents, framed by exquisitely ripe tannins and compelling tension, finishing long and earthy. Stunning!

Decanter (94)

While at the village level in 2018 we seem to find more dilute wines, Massolino should be considered an exception because they produced just a village Barolo, a blend of all their MGAs, including Vigna Rionda. The wine shines for its bright ruby colour, meaty and tarry with a incredible depth of rhubarb and minerality. Open-knit with its wild strawberry and cherry fruits, it flows on the velvety palate, lean yet refined, with polished tannins and brilliant integrated acidity. The finish is all cherry kernel and liquorice root. With this 2018 the estate confirms its consistency.

Wine Spectator (98)

Cherry, strawberry, rose, iron and menthol flavors highlight this supple red. There's plenty of backbone, and woodsy notes chime in, but this is more about the expressive berry fruit and elegant side of Barolo, ending with a terrific finish. Nonetheless, this will require several years for the tannins to be absorbed. To be released September 2022. Best from 2025 through 2045. 1,000 cases made, 250 cases imported.

Vinous (93)

The 2018 Napanook is every bit the charmer it was last year. Succulent and racy out of the glass, the 2018 is such a gorgeous wine. Silky tannins and generous fruit give the 2018 so much immediacy and appeal. Black cherry, plum, menthol, spice and licorice are pushed forward.

James Suckling (99)

Extremely perfumed and floral with lavender, lilacs and violets to the sweet, ripe berries, such as blackberries and blackcurrants. Some slate and graphite, too. It’s full-bodied, yet ever so balanced and refined, with super fine tannins that last for minutes. Fresh herbs, such as bay leaf and lemon grass highlight the dark fruit. The quality of tannin is exquisite with wonderful polish and refinement. Lasts for minutes. So wonderful to taste now, but better after 2026.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (93)

Gorgeous plum colour, sumptuous and ready to dive into. The aromatics are deliciously open, with crunchy raspberry and blueberry fruits, balanced and well put together. Feels cohesive, juicy, with plenty of 2019 character (although this is multi vintage, with exact percentages not stated), with nuanced fresh mint leaf and crayon. High Cabernet Sauvignon in this blend, 60% new oak, 40% one year oak, bottled August 2021.

Among the remarkable barolos, the Oreste Stefano Barolo Perno 2007 signals a prestigious blend of artisanal winemaking and high-quality Nebbiolo grapes. This exquisite bottle traces its origins to the sunny vineyards of Barolo, nestled into Italy's renowned Langhe region. Prestigious Italian winemaker Oreste Stefano is lauded for his meticulous vinification techniques, effectively marrying Barolo's distinct traditional style with others of greater finesse.

Structured with 24 months ageing in large Slavonian oak barrels and a further six years bottle ageing, this Oreste Stefano Barolo Perno 2007 offers an extraordinary complexity of aroma, with extraordinary flavours of dark fruit, spice, tobacco leaf and dark chocolate woven through a robust structure and enduring finish. Its expressive layers sing on the palate, revealing why it is adored amongst connoisseurs.

Another reputable performance from Oreste Stefano, the 2007 Barolo Perno perfectly defines why this vineyard is rated so highly in the Barolo sub-region. Stock is limited; secure your bottle of Oreste Stefano Barolo Perno 2007 while supplies last.

Experience the riveting allure of the distinguished Oreste Stefano Barolo Perno 2012, a timeless exemplar of the Piemonte region's grandeur. Produced by Oreste Stefano - a cellarer famed for a meticulous approach, this Barolo is a sumptuous homage to traditional vinification. Assembled entirely from Nebbiolo grapes, this vintage embodies a divine synthesis of finesse and potency.

Matured in Slavonian oak barrels, the Oreste Stefano Barolo Perno 2012 offers an opulent tapestry of harmonised tannins, combined with a brilliant acidity countenance. Its olfactory profile is a graceful serenade of roses, cherries, and hint of licorice. On the palate, one can expect a full-bodied wine with a seamless balance of ripe red fruits, laced subtly with earthy undertones.

Crafted in the verdant swathes of Barolo Perno, famed for its calcareous-clay matrix, this stellar wine faithfully represents the terrains' unique microclimate, culminating in a lasting, elegant finish.