2001 Barolo Vignolo

The 2001 Barolo Riserva Vignolo is a gorgeous, silky wine laced with expressive red fruit, flowers, mint and licorice. There is plenty of freshness and vibrancy in the fruit. At the same time, the tannins are so fine that the wine is approcahble today with some air. I imagine the 2001 will provide fabulous drinking for another decade or more. A ripe, silky finish rounds things out in style. In 2001 the Vignolo is all finesse and elegance.

The 2001 Barolo Riserva Vignolo is a gorgeous, silky wine laced with expressive red fruit, flowers, mint and licorice. There is plenty of freshness and vibrancy in the fruit. At the same time, the tannins are so fine that the wine is approcahble today with some air. I imagine the 2001 will provide fabulous drinking for another decade or more. A ripe, silky finish rounds things out in style. In 2001 the Vignolo is all finesse and elegance. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021. Cavallotto often gets lost in the shuffle among Piedmont’s elite producers. Maybe that’s because the dual flagship Riservas Vignolo and San Giuseppe are released long after most wines hit the market. Barolo lovers know better. Over the decades Cavallotto has built a sterling track record. The wines have never been better than under the leadership of siblings Alfio, Giuseppe and Laura Cavallotto. The Baroli are made in a traditional style and see extended aging in cask. The best vintages can last 30-40 years. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, 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

Castiglione Falletto. Bright mature ruby with broad orange-tinged rim. Initially slow to open up. Youthful on the palate. Slow burner but with a juicy, rich finish. (WS)