1998 Barolo Brunate
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Tasting notes
Elio Altare's 1998 Barolo Brunate is one of the highlights of the vintage. A wine of rare pedigree, this soft-textured Barolo caresses the palate with plenty of ripe red fruit, sweet spices and mint. Today the wine comes across as especially youthful, and with the context of the vintage it is one of the most vibrant wines I tasted. I am always amazed at the quality Altare achieves with what are essentially second-choice grapes from Marco Marengo's vines in the prestigious Brunate vineyard.
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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The dark ruby/plum-colored 1998 Barolo Brunate exhibits a smoky, mineral, jammy strawberry and black cherry-scented nose with notions of leather, pain grille, and spice box. The wine has fabulously well-integrated wood, tannin, and acidity in addition to a complex, layered mid-palate and finish. The outstanding balance, purity, and seamlessness are immensely admirable. Enjoy this 1998 Barolo over the next 12-15 years. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411