Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Good dark red. Primary aromas of boysenberry, raspberry and violet suggest an easygoing, round wine. Juicy and silky on entry--almost pinot-like--then intense but youthfully bound-up in the middle, with the primary dark berry and violet flavors repeating. Not an opulent style but boasts lovely freshness of fruit. This represents a blend of three vineyards.
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Commune of Castiglione Falletto. Youthful-looking mid ruby. Powerful fruit and perhaps a little confected. Dry oak tannin on a very rich finish. (WS)
The 2009 Barolo, with fruit selected across three areas (Monforte, Castiglione Falletto and Serralunga), is a beautiful and robust wine laced with ripe fruit, blackberry preserves, cassis and prune. This solid expression displays an immediate and upfront personality that will continue to show impressive results over the years. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2022. A leather-faced grape farmer with the happily happenstance name of Giovanni Bongiovanni founded the estate in 1950 with the intention of selling fruit. Today, it is managed by Davide Mozzone, who has worked hard to be part of an elite group of boutique wineries worth keeping an eye on. Importer: Empson USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900
The 2009 Barolo is everything an entry-level Barolo should be. Juicy, floral and pliant, the 2009 bursts from the glass with layers of expressive red fruit. Over time the wine fleshes out nicely, adding weight and richness. This is a relatively soft, silky young Barolo that should drink beautifully right out of the gate. Once again, Cascina Bongiovanni's straight Barolo is impeccable and totally delicious. The 2009 was made from vineyards in Serralunga and Castiglione Falletto, and was aged predominantly in neutral oak.