2005 Barolo Ginestra Casa Mate
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The 2005 Barolo Ginestra Vigna Casa Matè comes across a bit more forward than the Gavarini, with less tension and aromatic lift, but more body. Here, too, the wine is quite vibrant and youthful, even if it doesn't quite have the tension or overall energy that runs through the Gavarini.
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Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
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Medium red with an amber edge. Less expressive yet nuanced nose hints at brown spices, tobacco, underbrush and dried flowers. Broader, sweeter and denser than the Gavarini, with more depth of flavor and verve. Finishes with dusty but riper tannins. A deeper and more masculine style of Barolo. Grasso noted that this fruit was picked first and was less influenced by rain.
The 2005 Barolo Ginestra Casa Matè displays a darker shade of red fruits than the Chiniera, along with layers of menthol, spices and minerals, all of which come together in the glass beautifully. There is a touch more density here, yet the wine reveals superb density and grace, with an appealing inner perfume that carries through to the long finish.
The 2005 Barolo Ginestra Casa Mate displays a darker shade of red fruits than the Chiniera, along with layers of menthol, spices and minerals, all of which come together in the glass beautifully. There is a touch more density here, yet the wine reveals superb grace, with an appealing inner perfume that carries through to the long finish. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2022. Gianluca Grasso is one of Piedmont’s emerging young growers and winemakers. As always, the wines here are characterized by a strong sense of discipline, vision and elegance. The estate decided against producing its Riserva Runcot in 2005, but these two very fine Barolos deserve careful consideration. Stylistically the wines capture the best of modern and traditional schools, with the former represented by the work in the vineyards and the latter by the approach in the cellar, with the exception of the Runcot, which is aged in small French oak barrels. The 2006, 2007 and 2008 Barolos I tasted from cask and tank are perhaps even more promising. Various American importers, including: Martin Scott Wines, Little Neck, NY; tel. (516) 327-0808; Langdon Shiverick Imports, Cleveland, OH; tel. (213) 483-5900; Classic Wine Imports, Norwood, MA; Admirality Beverage Co. Columbia Distributing Company, Portland, Oregon; tel. (503) 289-9600