1999 Barbaresco Gaiun Martinenga
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The most beautiful and expressive of these wines, the 1999 Barbaresco Gaiun is surprisingly powerful and virile. Those attributes seem to have served the wine well, as the 1999 has developed beautifully in bottle. Tobacco, mint and dried flowers wrap around the expressive finish. The firm, searing 1999 tannins will probably never fully resolve, but this is nevertheless a very strong showing, especially within the context of the year.
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Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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The house has two single-vineyards offerings, and the 1999 Gaiun Barbaresco is the one which is aged in small barrels. Deep in color, varied on the nose with notes of vanilla, mint, licorice, and caramel, it is concentrated and intense on the palate, backward, and will require more time to come around. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2016. Importer: Dalla Terra, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-5405
Medium red. Ripe, oaky aromas of strawberry, red licorice and rose petal. Intense flavors of small red berries and spices. The wine's oak element gives the tannins a more aggressive aspect and a bit of dryness. This will need at least a few years to harmonize.