2000 Barolo Ginestra Casa Mate

The 2000 Barolo Ginestra Casa Matè is one of the most backward wines of the year. Layers of dark plums, cherries and menthol flow from this vibrant Barolo. The aromas and flavors build beautifully to the intense, focused finish. This is a dazzling effort from Elio Grasso.

Full red. Superripe aromas of red cherry, raspberry, strawberry, menthol and white truffle. Highly aromatic and rather powerful in the mouth, with bright, nuanced flavors of strawberry, brown spices and flowers. Conveys a strong impression of soil tones. The perfumed finish is long and gripping, and gained in complexity with aeration. Classic Barolo: I would never have guessed the vintage. In recent vintages, I have generally preferred the Vigna Chiniera to this, but not in 2000.

(from richer soil with a strong clay component) Good full medium red. Deep, sappy aromas of red cherry, red berries, smoke, tobacco and rose petal. Suave, concentrated and pliant, with a liqueur-like cherry syrup note. This has lovely texture. Finishes with sweet but substantial tannins.