*Announcing VINTAGES’ 2008 Barbaresco Wine Fest January 24-26!

To celebrate our soon-to-be opened Belmont location, VINTAGES will kick-off its 2008 Wine Events schedule with a series of wine dinners and tastings featuring two of our favorite winemakers from Italy’s Barbaresco region: ALDO VACCA from Produttori del Barbaresco, and RENATO VACCA from Cantina del Pino. Please join us!

2008 BARBARESCO WINE FEST!

THURS. JAN. 24, 7:30pm: Barbaresco Wine Dinner at OLEANA, Cambridge, $145pp incl.

FRI. JAN. 25, 7pm: Advanced Barbaresco Seminar at STIR, Boston, $345pp, inclusive

SAT. JAN. 26, 2-5pm: “Dynamic Duo of Barbaresco” Wine Tasting at VINTAGES (free)

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THURS. JAN. 24, 7:30pm: “Barbaresco Classics: Traditional & Modern” Wine Dinner at OLEANA restaurant, $145pp, all-inclusive.

Renato Vacca, owner and winemaker of CANTINA del PINO, and Aldo Vacca, director of the PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO, will present a selection of their outstanding Barbaresco wines. Aldo will discuss the history and traditions of Barbaresco winemaking, embodied in the classic, traditional wines of the Produttori. His cousin Renato will present his “modern classics” – Barbaresco and Barbera wines that balance tradition with modern winemaking techniques. Edify your mind and palate while you enjoy these superb nebbiolo-based wines from excellent vintages, paired with the sumptuous, exotic flavors of chef Ana Sortun at OLEANA in Cambridge.  Call 978-369-2545 to reserve your place.

The MENU at Oleana:

Warm Olives with Za’atar
Sweet Pepper & Goat Cheese Dolma with Walnut Puree & Green Olives

Sultan’s Delight; Tamarind Glazed Beef with smokey eggplant and pinenuts

Spoon Lamb with Jerusalem Artichokes & Pickled Persimmon

Duck Schawarma
Chick Pea Fries with Wild Oregano
Braised Swiss Chard

Warm Künefe, Poached Apricots, Vanilla-Bay Leaf Syrup  

Wines for the Oleana dinner (subject to change):

2005 Cantina del Pino Barbera d’Alba $25

2004 Cantina del Pino Barbaresco $40

2003 Cantina del Pino Barbaresco “Ovello” $55

2001 Produttori del Barbaresco “Ovello” Riserva $55

1996 Produttori del Barbaresco “Ovello” Riserva $86

1970 Produttori del Barbaresco “Ovello” Riserva $150

CALL 978-369-2545 to reserve!

FRIDAY, JAN. 25, 7pm: ADVANCED BARBARESCO SEMINAR and Dinner at STIR, Boston, $345 est. all-inclusive.

A unique opportunity to taste and experience these magnificent expressions of nebbiolo over a 40-year span. Aldo Vacca, director of the Produttori del Barbaresco, will present an in-depth seminar featuring four decades of Barbaresco (1970-2001) to a small group at STIR, Barbara Lynch’s new culinary venue in the South End. Mr. Vacca is one of the foremost experts in the wine heritage of the region, and is extremely knowledgeable regarding the history, vineyards and wineries of Barbaresco. The older wines for this dinner (1967-1985) have just arrived in the U.S., shipped directly from the cellars of the Produttori del Barbaresco in Piedmont, Italy. The dinner will be five courses prepared for us by a chef in the Stir kitchen. Seating is very limited; we strongly recommend that participants have a solid appreciation of Barbaresco to gain the most benefit from this event.
To reserve your seat, call 978-369-2545.

The MENU at Stir:

CARDAMOM SMOKED MUSSELS
celeriac, carrot salad, crème fraîche vinaigrette

MAINE LOBSTER GRATIN
potatoes, turnips, pearl onions, black truffle

PRUNE STUFFED GNOCCHI
seared foie gras, Vin Santo glaze

MARROW POACHED VENISON (SOUS VIDE)
cauliflower mousseline, marrow cauliflower salad

CHOCOLATE TABLET
satsuma tangerine coulis, walnut glace

The featured wines at STIR, all from the Produttori del Barbaresco:

2001 Barbaresco “PAJE” Riserva $55

2000 Barbaresco “ASILI” Riserva $55

1996 Barbaresco “PORA” Riserva $86

1985 Barbaresco Magnum $200

1982 Barbaresco $150

1979 Barbaresco “MONTEFICO” Riserva $150

1970 Barbaresco “OVELLO” Riserva $150

1967 Barbaresco “PAJE Cavalieri del Tartufo” $150

SAT. JAN. 26, 2-5pm: “Dynamic Duo of Barbaresco” Wine Tasting at VINTAGES, West Concord. Aldo and Renato, in person! (free) To celebrate the pre-opening of VINTAGES’ new location in Belmont, Aldo Vacca, director of the PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO, and Renato Vacca, owner and winemaker of CANTINA del PINO, will present a selection of their outstanding wines from the Barbaresco region. These wines, and wine producers, are near and dear to our wine-soaked hearts, and are at the core of our mission here at VINTAGES to offer authentic wines that are profound expressions of a particular place. Please join us in a toast to Barbaresco and wine adventures!

JOIN US FOR THE CELEBRATION!

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For the Wine-Lover on your list : Can't decide? Give a VINTAGES Gift Card!
VINTAGES GIFT CARD is perfect for that oenophile on your list. Give them the fun of selecting their favorite bottle -- or something NEW they've always wanted to try. VINTAGES Gift Cards are available in any dollar amount $10 or more. Best of all, VINTAGES new Belmont wine shop will be open in January 2008, offering more shopping convenience!
To order, CALL 978-369-2545.

New from Piedmont – Ferdinando Principiano

NEW! 2003 PRINCIPIANO BAROLO "Boscareto"
Reg. retail $65 Wine Dog Price $45
Ferdy (the dog) couldn't resist a deal on Ferdi's (Principiano) Barolo! A very pleasurable and classy holiday sip! Don't miss it!

"Principiano’s 2003 Barolo Boscareto offers notable depth and richness, with spiced, floral aromatics and sweet, plummy fruit. It offers outstanding balance, and an accessible, irresistible personality with plenty of character. 92 pts."  --Wine Advocate

NEW! 2005 PRINCIPIANO Barbera d’Alba “La Romualda” $38. Ferdi’s Barbera “La Romualda” is made primarily from grapes from Pian Romualdo, one of the zone’s historic sites for great Barbera. Sweet, spicy, floral with precise aromas, it is very round and silky on the palate, ripe but shapely and nicely structured. A great Barbera!

NEW!  2006 PRINCIPIANO Langhe Nebbiolo $19.99 VINTAGES EXCLUSIVE Ferdi’s Langhe Nebbiolo is made from the “Coste” vineyard in Monforte d’Alba.  Deep cherry flavors with cocoa, leather and mineral notes. Fresh, smooth and elegant style with powder-fine tannins.

*NEW FROM UMBRIA -- PAOLO BEA SAGRANTINO!

“Our wines are truly ALIVE!”
– Paolo Bea

This tiny estate in Umbria is the classic Italian fattoria, producing wine, raising farm animals, and working the land to produce olives, fruits and vegetables. Paolo Bea is the guiding force behind the production of these intense and idiosyncratic wines. He is assisted by his two sons, Giuseppe and Giampiero. The vineyards are cultivated virtually organically, and grapes are hand-harvested. Unique, hand-crafted wines.

2003 Sagrantino di Montefalco $100 The estate’s flagship wine. 100% Sagrantino from 3 hectares of vineyards. Aged 24 months in steel, 12 months in large oak barrels, 12 months in bottle. Supple, full, aromas of vanilla, dried prunes and figs, blackberries. Unique!

2000 Sagrantino di Montefalco Passito $108 (dessert) This “passito” wine is made from late-harvest grapes left on the vine to develop additional sweetness, then dried before pressing. Exquisite!

2006 “Santa Chiara” Bianco $45 Bea’s white wine produced from Garganaga, Malvasia, and Grechetto grapes. Cool-fermented in steel, then aged on fine lees for 8-9 months before bottling which adds complexity and deeper flavors.

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WINE GIFT IDEAS!

VINTAGES is offering 2- and 3-bottle wine gifts, packaged in classy gold, burgundy or kraft window carriers, topped with a bow! Each selection comes with a description of the wines inside.  Pick them up in the shop or call 978-69-2545 to reserve your choice. Distinctive wine gifts made easy!

Two Paks

CLOS DU MONT OLIVET Chateauneuf du Pape GIFT PAK $72 Red and (rare) white Chateauneuf-du-Pape from a traditional producer in a great vintage.

2006 CHATEAUNEUF-du-PAPE Blanc EXCLUSIVE! One of the best examples we have ever tasted! Blend of Clairette, Bourblec, Rousanne, and Grenache Blanc aged in steel and barrel. Deep, piney aromas, super-rich fruit balanced with mineral undercurrent and strong, fine tannins. Long, lingering finish. Only 600 cases produced. Outstanding!

2005 CHATEAUNEUF-du-PAPE Classic Chateauneuf-du-Pape bursting at the seams with sweet cherry notes, roasted Provencal herbs, licorice, and resiny, loamy, earthy scents. These wines age surprisingly well.

MARISA CUOMO Amalfi Coast GIFT PAK $49

If you’ve ever visited Capri and the Amalfi coast, and especially if you haven’t, one taste of these beautiful red and white wines from Marisa Cuomo will transport you!

2005 Furore Rosso  Blend of native Aglianico and Piedirosso grapes with lush texture and deep fruit. Elegant style, medium-bodied with ripe blackberry, black cherry, and a hint of cinnamon. Fruit and herb notes in the nose. Lovely sweet tannins on the finish; a simply delicious red!

2005 Ravello Bianco Falanghina is the primary grape in Cuomo’s Ravello bottling, Ravello Bianco is a straw yellow color with greenish hues. Refreshing, with complex floral, citrus, pear and apple flavors with a polished finish. This elegant wine pairs well with light risottos, fish, pastas with delicate sauces, grilled vegetables, seafood platters and soft cheeses.

LOPEZ de HEREDIA RIOJA DUO GIFT PAK $120 Classic, artisanal red & white Rioja

1989 Rioja Blanco “Vina Tondonia” (white) An impressively complex bouquet evokes ripe pear, peach, floral honey, and hazelnut. Weighty and ripe but fresh, showing deep, focused orchard fruit qualities and undercurrents of stone and toasted nuts. Striking for its depth, energy and sappiness.”

1987 Rioja “Vina Tondonia”(red) Aromas of plum, gunflint and tobacco. Dense and silky but penetrating, with ethereal flavors of red fruits, minerals and smoke. Soft, round and resolved yet this also possesses a sappy quality. The sweet fruit carries into a very long, coconutty finish featuring firm-edged tannins.

Wine Gift Three Pak

CANTINA DEL PINO TRIO GIFT PAK $80 A perfect “Piedmont party” pak – kick off the festivities with the lightly sparkling Langhe Freisa, segue into the perfumed and smooth Barbera, then cap it off with the main event, the Barbaresco. You can’t go wrong! Serve with bagna cauda or antipasto.

2004 BARBARESCO “Proprietor Renato Vacca has emerged as one of the leading lights of Barbaresco within just the last few years. His 2004 Barbaresco is another super effort. It reveals fresh aromatics with just the lightest touch of oak followed by sweet, perfumed fruit that blossoms on the palate. Made in an accessible, approachable style, it offers notable purity of expression and terrific overall harmony. 92 pts.”

2005 BARBERA d’ALBA Made from old vines Barbera in the heart of the Ovello district in Barbaresco, Renato’s Barbera is a glass of sweet perfumed fruit, with characteristic mineral notes and soft tannins. Almost too drinkable.

2005 LANGHE FREISA (serve a bit chilled!) Another terrific value from Renato Vacca. Langhe Freisa is a lightly sparkling dry RED wine. Rare, unusual, absolutely delicious!  Made from the native Piemontese grape, Freisa. Loads of strawberry & blackberry fruit, yet crisp and refreshing. Serve chilled with plates of antipasto, crispy, fried tidbits, cured meats and cheeses. Just have fun!

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Look! It’s a GIANT WINE!

Nothing’s more exciting—and more festive-- than a BIG bottle of excellent wine. As a gift, it makes a huge impact; at a party, a big bottle is what people will remember. We don’t know anyone who can resist the allure of a magnum of Barolo, Bordeaux, or rosé Champagne, Here is a selection of “large format” wines at VINTAGES:

2000 GIACOMO CONTERNO Barolo “Monfortino” 1.5L $725

2003 GIACOMO CONTERNO Barolo “Cascina Francia” 1.5L $275

2000 DOMENICO CLERICO CMG 1.5L $195

1996 RINALDI Barolo “Brunate-Le Coste” 1.5L $255

2004 ANGELO GAJA Barbaresco 1.5L $435

2003 CANTINA del PINO Barbaresco “Ovello” 1.5L $125

1998 PELISSERO Barbaresco “Vanotu” 1.5L $169

1985 PRODUTTORI del BARBARESCO 1.5L $225

2000 PELISSERO “Long Now” (Cab-Merlot-Nebbiolo blend) 1.5L $95

2001 FELSINA “Fontalloro” (Super-Tuscan) 1.5L $95

NV GUY LARMANDIER Brut Rose Champagne 1.5L $145

2005 CLOS du MONT OLIVET Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1.5L $70

1997 CLOS CENTEILLES “Clos Centeilles” 1.5L $60

1993 CLOS CENTEILLES “Clos Centeilles” 1.5L $80

2001 CLOS du CLOCHER Pomerol Bordeaux 1.5L $100

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CHAMPAGNE! featuring EGLY-OURIET Grand Cru
“Cork dorks rave about ‘grower’ champagnes; me too. Let nouveau zillionaires stalk Dom and the widow Clicquot; my bubblies bask in the bona fides of underdog status. Egly-Ouriet and other dedicated vignerons produce limited quantities of fabulous fizz. Never heard of them? Good. Snobbery’s about taste, Champagne taste.”
–Samurai Sipper, New York Times

 It’s time to pop those corks – join us for a tasting that has become a holiday tradition at VINTAGES: Grand Cru Champagne from estate-grower EGLY-OURIET. Considered our “house” champagne, Domaine EGLY-OURIET is a tiny, grand cru “grower” estate in Ambonnay that in the last decade has achieved cult status. We have supported Egly-Ouriet since our start, and are pleased to offer our customers a taste of this very exclusive bubbly.

EGLY-OURIET: Francis Egly is at the top of the small-grower elite, with his estate surrounded by 100% grand cru Pinot Noir vineyards. Part of what makes Egly so special is the lands on which his grapes flourish. Egly owns vines in Bouzy, Verzenay and in the heart of Ambonnay. These perfect, south-facing vines are on average 40 years old (ancient for Champagne vines) and are vinified separately, to preserve as much individual character as possible. Few Champagne houses can match the quality and originality of Egly wines. If we weren’t in the business of selling wine, we would keep these champagnes all to ourselves. If you want to taste the best in Grand Cru grower Champagne, look no further.

NV EGLY-OURIET Grand Cru Brut “Tradition” $58 Chalky, toasty, creamy, full-bodied concoction that defines Champagne. “Ripe peach and yellow plum on the nose, with a suave toasted hazelnut quality adding interest. Vibrant yellow fruit flavors are impressively fresh, showing impressive depth and chewy texture. Energetic with striking clarity and great finishing persistence.” –Tanzer, IWC

EGLY-OURIET Grand Cru "Blanc de Noirs" $125 "This is what Champagne from Reims used to be like 100 years ago," Francis Egly exclaims, "before timid winemakers started cutting their cuvées with Chardonnay." This single-vineyard Champagne from the noblest of terroirs in Ambonnay is 100% Pinot Noir from 70-year-old vines; the wine spends 51 months on its lees, and is fermented in barrel. The nose is a feast for the senses—the perfumes of a cooling raspberry tart, dusted with cinnamon; cardamom candy; the zest of lemons and limes; candied ginger and crushed stones. Unbelievable! Lush and almost thick on the palate, “Crayeres” shows notes of currants and strawberries, nuts and pie crust—so much so you'd think this was a still red wine. This is truly the benchmark for all great Pinot Noir Champagne.

2000 EGLY-OURIET Grand Cru Brut Prestige “Millesime” $125  70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay from 40-year-old vines in Ambonnay, aged completely in barrel (25% new.) Virtually no dosage. Dazzlingly gold in the glass, with aromas of ginger-infused crème bruleé and honeyed nuts, followed by sweet peaches and white flowers. The mouth is luxurious and enticingly rich; a peach turnover with toasted almonds. Like a great Meursault, with bubbles! Very fresh and lively.

NV GUY LARMANDIER ROSÉ BRUT Premier Cru $65 (Vertus) Beautiful, generously-endowed wine, with plenty of attractive strawberry and cherry fruit presented in a medium-bodied, softer style. It is impeccably clean and well-defined, with plenty of effervescence, and a clean, vibrant finish.

1999 GUY LARMANDIER BRUT MILLESIME “Cuvee Prestige Blanc de Blancs” Grand Cru $75 (Cramant) This superbly delicious vintage champagne offers pure chalky-citrus flavors that are surprisingly addictive. A distinctive, ultra-stylish way to celebrate.  “Pale gold with a strong, fine mousse. Pungent, chalky citrus peel and green apple on the nose. Impressively pure, razor-sharp lime and lemon flavors are focused, spicy and deep. This combines vibrancy and real concentration, finishing with excellent depth and length. 92 pts.” – Stephen Tanzer

2002 ROGER COULON “Millesime” Blanc de Noir $75 “Light yellow with a delicate bead. Rich, smoky orange and dried peach aromas are brightened by lemon zest and musky minerality. Fleshy pit fruit flavors are supple but lively, showing a subtle anise quality on the close. Impressively complex, persistent wine with both weight and finesse. 92 pts.” – Stephen Tanzer

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LE SALETTE AMARONE
LE SALETTE is one of VINTAGES' favorite producers -- they go against convention in Valpolicella to create wines that are elegant, exquisite, stylish, and luxurious-- the cashmere of Amarone!

LE SALETTE winery is located in Fumane near Verona, and has been in the Scamperle family for over a century. VINTAGES has visited Le Salette and owners FRANCO and MONICA SCAMPERLE many times and have a deep appreciation for the hard work and ambitious vision that guides their winemaking. To highlight their excellent vineyards, Franco and Monica were among the first to bottle vineyard-specific wines in the region. Instead of aiming for "bigger" wines, they have focused on making wines from the traditional dried Corvina and Rondinella grapes that are aromatic, deeply flavorful, complex, and elegant. Enjoy!

 2004 LE SALETTE Valpolicella Classico Sup. Ripasso “I Progni” $28 Blend of Corvina 55%, Rondinella 35%, and Molinara 5%  made in ripasso style-- initial fermentation  in October followed by a second fermentation in March on Recioto lees. “The 2004 Ripasso I Progni (predominantly aged in cask) reveals a lovely core of sweet, perfumed fruit with excellent length and an attractive personality.” –Wine Advocate

2002 LE SALETTE Valpolicella Classico Superiore “Ca’Carnocchio” $44 Blend of Corvina 70%, Rondinella 10%. Dried for 3 months and aged 18 mos. in barrel and 6 mos. in bottle. “2002 Ca’ Carnocchio offers an array of chocolate, cocoa, new leather, spices, coffee and sweet dark fruit. Medium in body, this delicious wine is packed with aromas and flavors that are sure to provide much enjoyment.”—Wine Advocate

2003 LE SALETTE Amarone “La Marega” $75 Blend of Corvina 65%, Rondinella 20%, and Croatina. Grapes are dried for 5 months, aged in oak and barrique for 3 years. “The 2003 Amarone Classico La Marega is a polished effort bursting with layers of cassis, blackberries, chocolate and violets. Ample and sweet on the palate, it reveals outstanding length and finessed tannins. Amarone is never inexpensive, but this wine delivers a lot of pleasure for the money.”—Wine Advocate

1999 LE SALETTE Amarone “Pergola Vece” $135 Blend of Corvina 70%, Rondinella 10%, Croatina. Only produced during the best harvest years from the best cru grapes. Grapes are dried for 6 months on trays, aged in barrel for 3 years and 8 mos. in bottle. “Jammier and with important notes of chocolate and cinnamon on its warm and expansive nose, its rich, round palate shows much ripe fruit, velvety tactile sensations, a lengthy finish, and a freshness which keeps the sweetness in balance.”—Wine Advocate

SOAVE CLASSICO from SUAVIA
The SUAVIA winery, located in Fitta, Soave Classico region. Another perennial VINTAGES favorite -- SUAVIA is among the handful of producers reclaiming Soave from its jug wine status to a higher, more delicious calling. "This is a grand cru that you will only really discover by climbing the steep lanes leading to Fitta. Here the Garganega grape finds perfect conditions to ripen and express its generous array of subtle aromas.”—Gambero Rosso 

Since 1887 the Tessari family has owned vineyards in the town of Fitta at the highest elevation in Soave Classico. In 1982, parents Giovanni and Rosetta decided to stop selling their harvest to the local cooperative and begin vinifying and bottling their own wine. Now the four Tessari sisters --Meri, Valentina, Ariana and Allesandra-- take full advantage of their 12 hectares of extraordinary vineyards—some over 50 years old planted in volcanic soil – to create impressive wines of distinctive elegance and purity, with subtle, complex aromas and mineral-driven flavors with citrus and almond notes. Wine connoisseurs are taking notice –this is not your father’s Soave.

White
2005 SUAVIA Soave Classico $14.99 “A real surprise: its strength of flavor, minerality, fine texture, and lingering finish are all outstanding-- making this an unbeatable wine for the money. White peach and blanched almond character; a hint of fresh ginger." -- Gambero Rosso

2005 SUAVIA Soave Classico “Montecarbonare” $27 “Three Glasses” winner “The harmony is fully realized in the 2005 Montecarbonare, which is as succulent, vibrant, and well-defined as only a truly distinctive wine can be. The vineyards are up to 50 years old, which contributes to the subtle flavor profile. It is a wine destined to become even greater with aging, but already fully deserves Three Glasses.” –Gambero Rosso

2003 SUAVIA Recioto di Soave “Acinatium” 500ml $42 (Dessert wine) Sweet “meditation” wine made from 100% dried Garganega grapes. Sweet notes of acacia honey and apricot jam together with fresh notes of pineapple and mango. Velvety texture with a balanced sweetness. Reviving freshness and radiant mineral notes.

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BAROLO & BURGUNDY!
Kick off the holiday season with a tasting of outstanding wines from small, top-quality estates in Burgundy and Piedmont -- as always, the good stuff -- don't miss it!

2005 BURGUNDY, France 2005 was an excellent vintage in Burgundy -- enjoy a "sneak preview" of these wines from these excellent, yet under-the-radar estates and winemakers.

2005 CHANDON de BRIAILLES Corton Blanc Grand Cru $105 Winemaker and co-owner Mme. Claude de Nicolay was very pleased with the 2005 vintage for their grand cru estate, which is now entirely biodynamically farmed. “From a .25 ha parcel, 80% of which is planted in the climat of Bressandes with the remainder planted in Renardes and Les Chaumes. Here the nose runs to pear and exotic fruit aromas, particularly pineapple as the aromas are quite ripe as are the rich, full and admirably concentrated flavors that are powerful while coating the mouth on the punchy and generous finish. This is already drinking well though I would give it one year in bottle first.” -- Burghound

2005 DOM. MEO-CAMUZET Bourgogne Rouge $36 "Two thousand five is a great vintage, no question about it," said Jean-Nicolas Meo. His 2005 Bourgogne offers “a bright nose combining briar, red fruit and subtle earth aromas merges into rich, full and nicely voluminous flavors at this level culminates in a delicious and attractive velvety finish. Good quality here.” -- Burghound

2005 DOM. DANIEL BOQUENET Nuits-St.-Georges “Aux St. Julien” $60 “I have said this multiple times in these pages but I will repeat it: Daniel Bocquenet remains in my view one of the most under-rated winemakers in Burgundy.” –Burghound Tasting the 2005 Aux St.-Julien: ”Deep ruby. There is a subtle trace of wood surrounding the dark berry fruit and earth aromas that continue onto the concentrated, round and delicious flavors that are serious and relatively powerful for a villages level wine. This will require a few years of cellar time to soften the presently firm tannic spine. Again, this offers first rate quality and is recommended. Outstanding.”--Burghound

BAROLO – PIEDMONT, ITALY
The best of the best! All nebbiolo, all tradition, all outstanding!

2003 GIACOMO CONTERNO BAROLO Cascina Francia $110 "This deep, powerful Barolo reveals awesome richness and an almost liqueur-like quality to its fruit that is balanced by the chalky mineral notes that provide freshness on the finish and help convey an impression of notable balance. In 2003 there is no Monfortino, and the Cascina Francia surely benefits from the addition of that juice which is mostly felt in the wine’s depth. Simply put, this is a stunning Barolo made all the more notable by the challenging conditions the vintage presented. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2023. This is another set of superb releases from Giacomo Conterno, one of the bastions of traditionally made Barolos. The fact remains that over the past few vintages Roberto Conterno has produced the best and most consistently outstanding wines in his venerable firm’s long history. 94 pts.” – Wine Advocate

1998 GIUSEPPE RINALDI BAROLO Brunate-le-Coste $110 “Medium, bright red. Superripe but pure and noble aromas of red fruits, dried rose, marzipan and minerals; this has Barolo perfume in spades. Tightly wound, vibrant and powerful, with lovely clarity of flavor and a near-perfect balance of fruit, acids and tannins. A very young, structured Barolo with outstanding energy and aging potential. Rinaldi produced a smaller crop in Brunate in '98 than in the three following harvests. 93+ pts.” –Tanzer, IWC

1999 GIUSEPPE MASCARELLO BAROLO “Villero”  $50 “The Villero is usually the most accessible of the Mascarello Barolos and on this day it is just beautiful, with a captivating balsamic nose and plenty of sweet dark fruit, mineral and menthol notes. This medium-bodied wine offers great length and harmony in an understated, ethereal style and should drink well to age 25. Mauro Mascarello perfectly emb odies the hard work ethic for which the Piedmontese are so famous. Mascarello has been personally making the wines at his estate since 1967 and owns one of the most impressive track records in Piedmont. However, Mascarello’s Barolos continue to be less well-known than they deserve. Whatever the reasons, there can be no doubt that Mascarello’s wines, are among the region’s top bottlings, and the wines represent some of the best values in the region. I consistently find this producer’s Barolos to be the hardest to accurately assess in their youth. Often unimpressive at first, they are among the most fascinating wines to follow because their evolution in the bottle can be extraordinary. With time the wines frequently blossom into profound expressions of Nebbiolo. 92 pts. –Wine Advocate

1996 RINALDI BAROLO Brunate-le-Coste 1.5L btl $255 (NOT IN TASTING) “Reticent but sweet aroma of currants, smoke and flowers, plus a whiff of varnish. More powerful than the '97; more penetrating and dense but not as pliant, with a stronger backbone of acidity. Seems even higher in extract and thus may be better balanced for extended aging. The strong but even tannins coat more of the mouth. 93 pts.” –Tanzer, IWC

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WINE TASTING FRIDAY, NOV. 30, 4:40-7:30pm: LOPEZ de HEREDIA-- RIOJA, SPAIN

An authentic taste of Rioja VINTAGES is pleased to present the wines of BODEGAS LÓPEZ de HEREDIA from Rioja, Spain. For the past 120 years, four generations of the López de Heredia family have maintained their commitment to producing world-class wines according to family traditions. "We're proud of not changing," says Maria Jose Lopez de Heredia, who co-manages this legendary bodega along with her father. Few, if any, wines are aged longer before release than these Reserva and Gran reserva Riojas, which can spend 12 years or more in barrel and bottle before going on the market. The long aging process transforms the flavors, aromas and textures into a superbly elegant, multi-layered experience, both complex and harmonious. The finest Riojas are blends of Tempranillo with Garnacha, Mazuelo, and Graciano, and offer more flavor and complexity than would seem possible from wines with a moderate level of alcohol (12%-12.5%). A real change from the youthful wines most of us drink on a regular basis.

Ranging in age from 8 to 26 years, these Lopez de Heredia wines represent a sublime expression of traditional Rioja. Join us Saturday as we taste these exceptional wines—white and red rioja reservas and gran reservas—for an authentic taste of a great wine region. Wines featured in Friday's tasting:

whites

1996 LOPEZ de HEREDIA Viña Gravonia Rioja Blanco $25 “Yellow-gold. Musky, mineral-accented peach, yellow plum and honey aromas, with a suave vanillin nuance adding complexity. Plush and deep in pit fruit and ripe melon flavors, with a gentle acid lift adding focus. Slow-mounting citrus notes provide refreshment on the finish but this has serious heft and needs to be served with food. There's a lot going on here. 90 points” –Tanzer, IWC

1989 LOPEZ de HEREDIA Viña Tondonia Rioja Reserva Blanco $40 “Medium gold. An impressively complex bouquet evokes ripe pear, peach, floral honey, beeswax and hazelnut, with building minerality adding complexity. Weighty and ripe but with an unlikely freshness, showing deep, focused orchard and pit fruit qualities and undercurrents of stony minerals and toasted nuts. Firm and pleasingly dry on the finish, which is striking for its depth, energy and sappiness. 93 points.” –Tanzer, IWC

reds

1987 LOPEZ de HEREDIA Viña Tondonia Rioja Gran Reserva $80 “Orange-tinged red. Aromas of plum, gunflint and tobacco. Dense and silky but penetrating, with ethereal flavors of red fruits, minerals and smoke. Soft, round and resolved yet this also possesses a sappy quality. The sweet fruit carries into a very long, coconutty finish featuring firm-edged tannins. 91 pts.” --Tanzer, IWC

1981 LOPEZ de HEREDIA Viña Bosconia Rioja Gran Reserva $80 “Faded red. Gorgeous, multidimensional aromas of dried red fruits, white flowers, spice cake, leather, underbrush, graphite and lavender sachet. Silky and seemingly weightless, with a haunting crystalline purity to the sweet strawberry and redcurrant flavors Sweetly insinuating on the finish, with lingering mineral and strawberry flavors. A remarkable wine that's completely out of step with today's styles: this is the stuff that gets die-hard Rioja traditionalists all weepy. 94 points.” –Tanzer, IWC

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