NEW ARRIVALS: Giuseppe Cortese, Piedmont

Tiziana Cortese

“Just think of all the mediocre Pinot Noir consumed that barely resembles its varietal characteristics. These Cortese wines are pure and authentic wines made from a fabled vineyard by a family committed to artisan production for more than sixty years.” –EB

Eric and Carolyn visited the Giuseppe Cortese estate in Barbaresco this May. It was great to meet with Tiziana Cortese once again, and continue our enjoyment and understanding of this cellar and their wines. Three generations of the Cortese family have continued their passionate engagement with making the best quality wines from their cru vineyards in historic Rabaja. The Corteses combine rigorous traditional methods in the vineyards — the heart of all great wine — with modern technique and patience in the cellar. We are very excited to share these beautiful, elegant Barbera and Nebbiolo wines at very attractive prices. Get your salumi, bread and olives ready!

2009 GIUSEPPE CORTESE Barbera d’Alba $19.99

Lovely, traditional Barbera from Cortese. Deep garnet color, pretty aromas of cherry & violets. On the palate, ripe and pure black cherry fruit and tremendous freshness in perfect balance. A classic and beautiful Barbera from the estate’s superb vineyards in Rabaja. A versatile table wine, perfect companion for pasta, chicken, beef tenderloin, pork, stews, and vegetable dishes.

2008 GIUSEPPE CORTESE Langhe Nebbiolo $25

Classic textbook example of Nebbiolo from Barbaresco. Luminous medium-ruby color; fragrant, delicate rose petals, powdery sweet-tart candied minerals. Made from a one-hectare vineyard in Rabaja, only 500 cases produced. All of the elegance and finesse that one expects from traditionally-made Barbaresco, just on a smaller scale-priced to enjoy!

Get ready for a nebbiolo blow-out! ALDO VACCA, director of the PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO, and RENATO VACCA, Cantina del Pino are at VINTAGES for tastings Fri. Apr. 30 & Sat. May 1!

WINE TASTING: “Dynamic Duo of Barbaresco”
Friday, April 30 4:30-6:30pm, Belmont

Join us for a Barbaresco blow-out!

Renato & Aldo Vacca

ALDO VACCA is the director of the PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO, an historic producer in the region with cooperative ownership of nine top cru vineyards in Barbaresco. Made from 100% nebbiolo in the traditional manner every vintage, the Produttori del Barbaresco Riservas reveal the distinctive character of each vineyard – a fascinating and delicious comparison! ALDO VACCA  will present the following Barbarescos & nebbiolo wines;

2005 BARBARESCO Asili $65
2005 BARBARESCO Montefico $65
2004 BARBARESCO Montestefano $68
2005 BARBARESCO Rio Sordo $65
2005 BARBARESCO Rabaja $65
2006 BARBARESCO “Torre” $35
2008 Langhe Nebbiolo $23
TASTING SPECIAL: 20% off 24 bottles of any 2005 Barbaresco Riservas ($52/bottle)

RENATO VACCA is the owner/winemaker of CANTINA del PINO in Barbaresco. A fourth-generation grower with old-vines in the prime Ovello district, Renato and his father Adriano struck out on their own in the late 1990’s with their first Barbaresco in 1997. Renato has risen quickly to the top echelon of Barbaresco producers with his wines winning “Three Glasses” award from Gambero Rosso and most recently producing some of the highest-scoring 2005 Barbarescos (95 pts. for “Albesani” and “Ovello”). Cantina del Pino also makes Dolcetto, Barbera, Nebbiolo, and Langhe Freisa (a chilled sparkling red).
Wines from CANTINA del PINO include:
2005 BARBARESCO “Albesani” $60
2005 BARBARESCO $45
2004 BARBARESCO “Ovello” $65 (Special order only; $52/bottle for case purchase)
2006 BARBERA d’ ALBA $30
2008 DOLCETTO d’ ALBA $17.99
2008 LANGHE FREISA $17.99

WINE TASTING: Presenting the 2005 Barbaresco Riservas of the Produttori del Barbaresco with director Aldo Vacca
Saturday, May 1, 2-5pm, Concord store

PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO WINE TASTING
2005 Barbaresco Ris. “Montefico” $65
2005 Barbaresco Ris. “Asili” $65
2005 Barbaresco Ris. “Rabaja” $65
2004 Barbaresco Ris. “Montestefano” $68
2006 Barbaresco “Torre” $35
2008 Langhe Nebbiolo $23

About Produttori del Barbaresco
The historic PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO, with its nine cru vineyards, offers a comprehensive Barbaresco symposium all on it own! Aldo, as the long-time wine director, is a veritable fountain of nebbiolo knowledge, the nuances of vintage and vineyard, and the history of wine in the region. Single-vineyard cru riservas are made in the best vintages and are aged nearly five years before release. These beautiful age-worthy wines will continue to evolve for 15, 20 even 30 years or more. “Torre” is the standard Barbaresco, excellent quality younger vines from the top vineyards.

WINE DINNER Fri. APR. 30, 7:30pm SOLD OUT!
PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO WINE DINNER with ALDO VACCA @ IL CASALE, Belmont
WHERE: Il Casale, Belmont
WHEN: Fri. APR 30, 7:30pm
COST: $130 all-inclusive
RESERVE: SOLD OUT!

A tremendous value in world-class, age-worthy wine.

2005 PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO RIS.
Something spectacular to enjoy while waiting for the 2004’s to mature. 2005 is a special vintage for us — VINTAGES Eric & Carolyn were in Barbaresco for the 2005 harvest! Seems like yesterday — but it was 4-1/2 years ago. A hot September led to an early and very timely harvest — fully ripened grapes were picked just before the rains began. 2005’s are generally more fruit-forward, with softer tannins and a less austere quality in their youth. This means you can enjoy them sooner than many vintages, even without your Vinturi!

In the house…
2005 Barbaresco Montefico
2005 Barbaresco Rabaja
2005 Barbaresco Asili

Coming:
2005 Barbaresco Montestefano
2005 Barbaresco Paje
2005 Barbaresco Ovello

Pricing: All 2005 Barbaresco Riservas are $65 or $55.25 with case purchase. Purchase 2+ cases of 2005 Produttori Riservas and get 20% off! $52/bottle!

“The Produttori del Barbaresco have another set of wonderful wines on their hands with these new releases. The Produttori have long made delicious, age-worthy Barbarescos, but in the last few years the overall level of quality and consistency has gone up several notches. Best of all, prices have remained exceedingly fair. The 2005 Riservas are worthy successors to the magical 2004s.” – Antonio Galloni, WA

2005 PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO RISERVAS!
In the house…
2005 Barbaresco Ris. “MONTEFICO” $65 ($55.25 case purchase) 93 pts.
“The 2005 Barbaresco Riserva “Montefico” is simply beautiful in the way it combines elements of florality and structure, which makes it one of the more complex, multi-faceted wines in 2005. Sweet roses blossom on the palate, followed by succulent ripe raspberries, mint and baking spices. As the wine sits in the glass the layers continue to fill out, revealing a wine of first-class pedigree. This is an exceptional effort from the Produttori! Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. 93 pts.” -Antonio Galloni, WA

2005 Barbaresco Ris. “RABAJA” $65 ($55.25 case purchase) 94 pts.
“The 2005 Barbaresco Riserva “Rabaja” reveals gorgeous inner perfume in a powerful, structured style. This is a big, hulking Barbaresco, but its potential is evident, as the wine’s balance is impeccable. Still, readers will have to exercise considerable patience here. I have seldom been disappointed by older bottles of the Rabaja and expect the 2005 will turn out to be another fine vintage for this bottling as well. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2030. 94 pts.” -Antonio Galloni, WA

2005 Barbaresco Ris. “Asili” $65 ($55.25 case purchase) 93 pts.
“The 2005 Barbaresco Riserva Asili is sweet, sensual and perfumed. Today the wine remains extremely reticent, but the tannins show extraordinary purity and silkiness, suggesting the only thing missing is time. For now the 2005 Asili shows great integrity in its dark red fruit, with notable persistence on the palate and a round, powerful close. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. 93 pts.” –Antonio Galloni, WA

On the way…

2005 Barbaresco MONTESTEFANO
2005 Barbaresco PAJE
2005 Barbaresco OVELLO

Pricing: All 2005 Barbaresco Riservas are $65 or $55.25 with case purchase. Purchase two cases of 2005 Produttori Riservas and get 20% off! $52/bottle! (For example, one case of “Asili” & one case of “Montestefano”)

Quantities are limited. PLEASE CALL 978-369-2545 or email info@vintagesonline.com today!

SOTTIMANO Barbaresco
FRI & SAT. MAR. 12 & 13,  BELMONT CENTER
Fri. 4-7pm; Sat. 3-6pm

“These 2006 Barbarescos from Rino and Andrea Sottimano are divine.” - Antonio Galloni, WA

Young Andrea and father Rino Sottimano have been forging ahead over the past decade to produce wines of outstanding quality at their small estate on the border of Neive and Barbaresco.  Sottimano produces rich and concentrated Barbarescos with deep color and fine-grained tannins from their cru vineyards of Cottà, Currà, Fausoni, Basarin and Pajoré. Conscientious and sustainable viticulture is practiced; natural yeasts are used; no filtering or fining. Founded in 1974, the estate comprises 13 ha of Barbaresco vineyards in Treiso & Neive along with Dolcetto, Barbera and “dry” Brachetto. Annual total production is 5,000 cases.

SPECIAL PRICING ON 2006 Sottimano Barbaresco — nearly 30% off! FRIDAY & SAT. ONLY!

2006 SOTTIMANO Barbaresco Cotta (Neive) 93 pts.  Special $51 net (Reg. $70) “The wine shows plenty of softness in its dark fruit, licorice, tar and smoke in a generous, enveloping style, capped off with a long, resonating finish. As is often the case, the Cotta is the most accessible and sensual of these 2006s. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. 93 pts.“– WA

2006 SOTTIMANO Barbaresco Curra (Neive) 93 pts. Special $51 net (Reg. $70) “The 2006 Barbaresco Curra is a powerful, intense wine that impresses for its focus, length and balance. The Curra doesn’t have the immediacy or roundness of the Fausoni, but it compensates with incredible drive and persistence. Tobacco, licorice, roses, spices and red cherries add layers of nuance on the close. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2026. 93 pts.”-WA

2006 SOTTIMANO Barbaresco Fausoni (Neive) 94 pts. Special $51 net (Reg. $70) “The 2006 Barbaresco Fausoni reveals a gorgeous core of cherries in liqueur, menthol, spices and flowers in a surprisingly rich, round style for the vintage. The wine possesses terrific harmony and balance, with a round, polished finish. Floral notes reappear on the finish, giving the wine a pretty sense of lift. In 2006 the Fausoni is all about elegance. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2026. 94 pts.”-WA

2006 SOTTIMANO Barbaresco Pajore (Treiso) 92 pts. Special $51 net (Reg. $70) “Sottimano’s 2006 Barbaresco Pajore shows its tell-tale notes of spices, menthol, minerals and dark fruit, on a medium bodied, sinewy frame. The Pajore offers terrific balance with notes of tar, smoke and licorice that come to life on the finish. Patience is the key here, but this remains the most compact and clenched of the 2006s. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026. 92 pts.”-WA

2007 SOTTIMANO Langhe Nebbiolo 91 pts.  $22 “Sottimano’s Langhe Nebbiolo is made from young vines in the Basarin vineyard in Barbaresco and spends 14 months in French oak. It is a Barbaresco in everything but name… This is a very serious bottle of wine for $25.”–WA

PRE-ARRIVAL OFFER
2005 PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO RISERVAS $65

The 2005 vintage is here! And we were there!

VINTAGES’ Eric & Carolyn were visiting wine cellars in Barbaresco with friends Mark & Teresa Garti in September 2005 during the harvest. While we didn’t plan it that way –the ‘05 picking time was earlier than usual — it was very exciting to be there and experience the excitement first-hand. In fact, the photo at the top of this email shows a basket of freshly-harvested 2005 nebbiolo grapes from the Montestefano vineyard! More photos from that trip are in the Concord store.

2005 BARBARESCO RIS. “Asili” $65 “Sweet, sensual and perfumed. Today the wine remains extremely reticent, but the tannins show extraordinary purity and silkiness, suggesting the only thing missing is time. For now the 2005 Asili shows great integrity in its dark red fruit, with notable persistence on the palate and a round, powerful close. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. 93 pts.” –WA

2005 BARBARESCO RIS. “Moccagatta” $65 “One of the more compact, linear wines in this vintage. The Moccagatta offers up sensations of bright red fruits, flowers, spices and vanilla in a rather unyielding style. The wine should improve in bottle but the tannins will likely always remain somewhat firm. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. 90 pts.” –WA

2005 BARBARESCO RIS. “Montefico” $65  “Simply beautiful in the way it combines elements of florality and structure, which makes it one of the more complex, multi-faceted wines in 2005. Sweet roses blossom on the palate, followed by succulent ripe raspberries, mint and baking spices. As the wine sits in the glass the layers continue to fill out, revealing a wine of first-class pedigree. This is an exceptional effort from the Produttori! Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. 93 pts.”–WA

2005 BARBARESCO RIS. “Montestefano” $65 “Reveals a seamless core of sweet roses, ripe, juicy raspberries and spices, all of which come together in a round, sensual expression of Nebbiolo. In 2005 the Montestefano possesses terrific freshness, detail and vibrancy. Licorice, leather and anise linger on the sublime finish. The Montestefano is one of the highlights among these Riservas. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. 93 pts.” –WA

2005 BARBARESCO RIS. “Ovello” $65 “Usually one of the more reticent of the estate’s Riservas, but in 2005 it is especially unyielding. Still firm and tightly wound, the wine possesses notable detail and clarity in its fruit in a focused, compact style. Based on previous experience, I may very well be underestimating this wine, but only time will tell for sure. After several hours the Ovello opened up nicely and my impression is it will develop into a splendid Barbaresco with time. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. 92+ pts.” –WA

2005 BARBARESCO RIS. “Paje” $65 “Opens with a blast of tar, menthol and smoke that leads to dark cherries, plums, leather and licorice. This is an especially powerful, shut-down Barbaresco at this stage, but with time in bottle the layers should fill out quite nicely. Today it remains compact and in need of further time in bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. 91 pts.” –WA

2005 BARBARECO RIS. “Pora”$65 “Wonderfully layered in its dark cherries, spices, menthol, licorice and minerals. The medium-bodied Pora is one of the firmer and more linear Riservas in 2005. Still, it shows exceptional balance in a powerful style that will require a measure of patience. Here, too, the finish is wonderfully elegant. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. 92+ pts.” –WA

2005 BARBARESCO RIS. “Rabaja” $65 “Reveals gorgeous inner perfume in a powerful, structured style. This is a big, hulking Barbaresco, but its potential is evident, as the wine’s balance is impeccable. Still, readers will have to exercise considerable patience here. I have seldom been disappointed by older bottles of the Rabaja and expect the 2005 will turn out to be another fine vintage for this bottling as well. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2030. 94 pts.” — WA

2005 BARBARESCO RIS. “Rio Sordo” $65 “Jumps from the glass with an exciting array of freshly cut roses, spices and raspberries. The 2005 is an especially dense, rich Rio Sordo endowed with superb depth and great overall balance. Floral notes accompany the wine from start to finish in an irresistible display of the perfume that makes Barbaresco such a sexy wine. In 2005 the Rio Sordo is not to be missed. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2025. 92 pts.” –WA

CANTINA del PINO: Barbaresco to cellar and savor from Renato Vacca

CELLAR: Sublime!

2005 CANTINA del PINO Barbaresco “Albesani” $65 95 pts.  “Tre Bicchieri” – Gambero Rosso
“The sublime, gorgeous 2005 Barbaresco Albesani is laced with the essence of dark cherries, flowers, spices, minerals on a rich, textured frame. With time in the glass, the wine’s inner perfume emerges more fully in a dazzling, totally polished style. Cantina del Pino’s Barbaresco Albesani is a new bottling from a parcel that also contains Santo Stefano, one of the most storied vineyards in the world. The microclimate here is quite warm, which contributes to the wine’s richness and body. Readers will not want to miss this superb effort, which is easily one of the finest 2005 Barbarescos. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. 95 pts.”-WA

SAVOR: Outstanding Value $32 (35% off)
2005 CANTINA del PINO Barbaresco Special $40 (Reg. $49) Case price: $32/btl! (35% off!)
“The 2005 Barbaresco is a gorgeous, captivating Barbaresco that reveals superb depth in its sweet red cherries, menthol, pine, spices and minerals. The wine is vibrant and poised, with firm tannins that give it a somewhat austere personality. With some time in the glass its perfumed core of sweet fruit emerges, and a few years in bottle should help it come together even more. This is a very pretty Barbaresco from Cantina del Pino. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2023. 92 pts.” -Wine Advocate

NEW from PIEDMONT 95 pts!
A new generation of winemakers take center stage!

2005 CANTINA del PINO Barbaresco & 2005 RENATO RATTI Barolo
VINTAGES is excited to present these long-awaited releases from two of our favorite Piedmont producers: Pietro Ratti of RENATO RATTI and Renato Vacca of CANTINA del PINO. Renato and Pietro are not only superb winemakers coming into their own, but our very dear friends. We are very excited for their incredible success and thrilled to share their wines with our customers!

CANTINA del PINO, Barbaresco
Renato Vacca is an understated, handsome guy, yet intense and focused. We have supported his wines since his start in 1997 and have been thrilled to see his meteoric rise to Barbaresco stardom! “This year, Vacca has a new Barbaresco from the Albesani vineyard – and it is a knockout. Despite all of his recent success Vacca remains humble and down to earth, qualities that should serve him very well for the future. Readers should do whatever they can to taste these wines, the Barbarescos in particular.” — Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate. We say: Fantastico!

2005 CANTINA del PINO Barbaresco “Albesani” $65 95 pts. VINTAGES Exclusive; “Tre Bicchieri” — Gambero Rosso
“The sublime, gorgeous 2005 Barbaresco Albesani is laced with the essence of dark cherries, flowers, spices, minerals on a rich, textured frame. This large-scaled, superb Barbaresco will require patience, but is a classic in the making. With time in the glass, the wine’s inner perfume emerges more fully in a dazzling, totally polished style. Cantina del Pino’s Barbaresco Albesani is a new bottling from a parcel in the hillside of the same name in Neive that also contains Santo Stefano, one of the most storied vineyards in the world. The microclimate here is quite warm, which contributes to the wine’s richness and body. Readers will not want to miss this superb effort, which is easily one of the finest 2005 Barbarescos. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. 95 pts.”–WA

2005 CANTINA del PINO Barbaresco “Ovello” $65 95 pts. Awarded “5 Grappoli” by Italian Sommeliers Assoc. SOLD OUT!
Renato’s “Ovello” cru Barbaresco is always a marvel of purity, balance, intense aromas, and precise flavors. He has tremendous fruit to work with and skillfully guides it into barrel and bottle. “The 2005 Barbaresco Ovello is another magnificent Barbaresco from Renato Vacca. The Ovello is decidedly more powerful and taut in its expression of red cherries, flowers, minerals, and menthol although it is just as compelling as the Albesani. The wine offers exceptional length and a long, powerful finish. The wine continues to improve in the glass, but it remains a decidedly energetic, youthful Barbaresco in need of significant cellaring. In a word: majestic. Ovello sees greater temperature fluctuations from day to night than Albesani. The microclimate, along with the poorer, white soils give the Ovello its signature focus and drive. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. 95 pts.”–WA

NEW ARRIVALS: TRADITIONAL PIEDMONT

2006 Albino Rocca ‘La Rocca’ $30 is made from 100% Cortese (the same grape as Gavi) and aged in French oak barrels. The 06 ‘La Rocca’ is a deep golden color, weighty and viscous with a beautifully complex and rich bouquet of apple pie ‘al la mode’ & buttered popcorn. Baked spiced apples, pie crust, carmel and vanilla cream, with notes of buttery, toasty oak. On the palate the wine has tremendous freshness, crisp apples, lively acidity, and powdery minerals, a hallmark of great wines made in Barbaresco. In short, a gorgeous, full-bodied white wine of great richness and complexity. HIGHLY recommended!

2005 Guido Porro ‘Vigneto “Santa Caterina” Barbera D’Alba $17.99 This traditional, gulp-able Barbera from Kermit Lynch is the real deal — Barbera as it should be, pure and fresh, not over-oaked or overwrought. Guido Porro, a small artisanal producer based in Serralunga, makes wines with a remarkable purity and clarity — qualities that have become quite rare. Jump on it!

2004 PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO $34 (Exclusive)

2004 PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO “La Torre” $34 VINTAGES Exclusive
Friend & Produttori wine director ALDO VACCA had a little extra 2004 Barbaresco in his cellar, and he generously agreed to send it directly to VINTAGES! It remains, as always, an outstanding value in traditional Barbaresco.
“Produttori del Barbaresco continues to be a terrific source for well-priced wines. The estate’s 2004 Barbaresco is very sweet and pretty, with spiced, floral aromas that are delicately woven into a fabric of ripe fruit. With air, herbal and balsamic overtones emerge, adding further complexity. The wine offers outstanding length, silky tannins and a fresh, inviting finish. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016. 90 pts.” — WA

WINE TASTING: CANTINA del PINO, Barbaresco
Old vines, modern wines

FRI. MAY 29, 4:30-7PM, BELMONT
SAT. MAY 30, 1-5pm, WEST CONCORD
VINTAGES is always delighted to present the superb wines of our good friend, RENATO VACCA. Through visits back and forth, and our long-time support of his wines, we have forged a close friendship with Renato as well as a greater understanding of wines and winemaking in Piedmont. During our recent trip to Italy, we enjoyed Renato’s company at numerous dinners, cafes, and a long visit at his cellar in Barbaresco.  If you don’t yet know the excellent wines of Cantina del Pino, we encourage you to take this opportunity!

Renato Vacca, 3rd-generation grower, 1st-generation winemaker. Renato’s family was a long-time member of the Produttori del Barbaresco, the region’s top cooperative producer. In the mid-1990’s Renato and his father, Adriano, left the Produttori to establish their own estate, Cantina del Pino. 1997 was the first vintage bottled by Renato, and he’s never looked back. One of the new generation of producers in Barbaresco, Renato quickly proved to be a very skillful winemaker– certainly the family’s 70- year-old vineyards in the Ovello district offer a favorable advantage. Renato combines tradition with modern techniques to create classic wines, with true varietal character and pure flavors, in a beautifully elegant, age-worthy style. VINTAGES has long been a big fan of Cantina del Pino, as are many of our customers. Please join us Friday or Saturday and find out why!

WINES featured at the tasting Fri. & Sat.

2007 BRUNO GIACOSA Roero Arneis $38
“Bruno Giacosa’s Arneis is a knockout in 2007. This beautiful white reveals gorgeous inner sweetness in its ripe apricots, peaches and flowers. Although the wine did not undergo malolactic fermentation, it comes across as lush and full-bodied, with suggestions of botrytis that linger on the finish. 90 Pts.”"–Wine Advocate

2007 CANTINA del PINO Dolcetto d’Alba $15.99
A beautiful example of Dolcetto from one of the finest terroirs in the world, Barbaresco. Bright garnet-colored to violet-rimmed, with fresh red cherry fruit on the long powdery mineral finish. A perennial best-selling red wine for us that also demonstrates what a tremendous value Dolcetto can be from a great producer.

2006 CANTINA del PINO Langhe Nebbiolo $25
“Nebbiolo delle Langhe” is only required to be 85% nebbiolo and can be made from grapes grown anywhere in the Langhe. In Renato’s case, his Langhe Nebbiolo is 100% grown in Barbaresco from young vines in Ovello, Albesani (Santo Stefano), and Starderi. Extremely fresh and juicy but with fine, gripping tannins that are the hallmark of Nebbiolo from Barbaresco.

2006 CANTINA del PINO Barbera d’Alba $32
Quite simply one of the best examples of Barbera made for any price! Renato’s Barbera is unique in that it is made from 60+ year-old vines growing in one of most storied vineyard sites in Barbaresco, the vineyard of Cassotto in the cru Ovello. Made in an absolutely pure and un-adulterated fashion, this is Barbera at it’s best, ripe dark cherry fruit with beautiful vibrant acidity, and notes of toasty oak.  

2005 CANTINA del PINO Barbaresco $49
“The 2005 Barbaresco is a gorgeous, captivating Barbaresco that reveals superb depth in its sweet red cherries, menthol, pine, spices and minerals. The wine is vibrant and poised, with firm tannins that give it a somewhat austere personality. With some time in the glass its perfumed core of sweet fruit emerges, and a few years in bottle should help it come together even more. This is a very pretty Barbaresco from Cantina del Pino. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2023. 92 pts.” –Wine Advocate

2004 CANTINA del PINO Barbaresco “Ovello” $65  94 pts!

SPECIAL 20% OFF case orders!
“2004 Barbaresco Ovello ..is an exceptional wine that expresses the pedigree of the vintage in its sweet, expansive personality. Ripe dark fruit, toasted oak and balsamic nuances are all woven together in a powerful, structured style. Ovello is one of the cooler micro-climates in Barbaresco. It should develop beautifully over the following years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024. 94 pts.” –Wine Advocate