1997 Barolo Le Coste
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Tasting notes
A muscular, dark plum-colored Barolo, Grimaldi's 1997 offers classic aromatics of melted road tar, rose petals, new saddle leather, beef blood, and kirsch liqueur. Impressively endowed, with moderately high tannin, this powerful, thick, juicy effort is a definitive Barolo. An impressive effort from this producer (a former policeman from the village of Barolo), whose debut vintage was 1996, it needs 4-5 years of cellaring, and should keep for two decades. 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
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Deep red. Rather closed nose hints at high-toned wood and a lactic note. Supple on entry, then rather dry in the middle palate; shows only moderate flavor development. The serious and somewhat dry tannins leave the finish a bit stunted.