2008 Barolo Riva del Bric
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Tasting notes
The 2008 Barolo Riva del Bric shows the pretty, understated side of Nebbiolo and the Ginestra vineyard. Sweet tobacco, crushed flowers, herbs, plums and licorice are all woven together in this attractive, medium-bodied wine. The 2008 won't be a long-term ager, but it sure is delicious, even today. Floral notes add the final flourish of complexity and character. Riva del Bric is made from the estate's young vineyards in Ginestra.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2008 Barolo Riva del Bric shows the pretty, understated side of Nebbiolo and the Ginestra vineyard. Sweet tobacco, crushed flowers, herbs, plums and licorice are all woven together in this attractive, medium-bodied wine. The 2008 won’t be a long-term ager, but it sure is delicious, even today. Floral notes add the final flourish of complexity and character. Riva del Bric is made from the estate’s young vineyards in Ginestra. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300; Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411; Robert Houde Wines, Elk Grove Village, IL; tel. (847) 430-3887
The 2008 Barolo Riva del Bric is gorgeous. In fact, this is the most impressive vintage of the Riva del Bric I have tasted. Dark red cherries, flowers, mint and licorice are some of the many nuances that flow from this beautifully delineated, finessed Barolo. The mid-weight, energetic style is very appealing.
(an entry-level Barolo from the young vines of Ginestra): Good deep red. Subdued aromas of camphor and leather. Sweet, supple and accessible, with a leathery nuance and a whiff of band-aid to the flavors of dark fruits, licorice and leather. Good material here but a bit rustic, with the tannins giving the wine a dry edge. This is slated for bottling next spring.