2003 Barolo
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Tasting notes
Altare's 2003 Barolo is remarkably polished. The aromas and flavors are just starting to turn the corner into the tertiary stage. Leather, tobacco, autumn leaves, spices, plums and black cherries all flesh out in a gorgeous Barolo to drink now and over the next 5-7 years. The 2003 retains plenty of depth, but my sense is that the aromatics will fade faster than the fruit.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Good medium red. Plum, tobacco and underbrush on the nose; this seemed shallow after Altare's 2004s. Rather dry in the mouth, with its limited texture and sweetness suggesting a blockage of vine maturity. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins. Will this have any fruit left when the tannins soften?
Mid ruby. Pale rim. Complete, complex nose – lots of lift and not especially heavy. Very dry tannins. Hard work at the moment with molten tar in the ascendant. Wait and wait! (JR)
Altare's 2003 Barolo reveals an elegant, yet firm personality in its expression of super-ripe red fruits, spices and menthol. It offers lovely depth and prec ision at this level, even if it understandably lacks some freshness. Still, it is a wine with an enviable track record and should drink well for another decade or so.