2006 Barolo Costa Grimaldi

The 2006 Barolo Costa Grimaldi reveals superb intensity in its dark cherries, violets, menthol and spices. Medium to full in body, the Costa Grimaldi reveals exceptional length all the way through to the pure, finessed finish. This is the most powerful of the estate’s 2006 Barolos. It is a magnificent Barolo from Einaudi. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026. Over the last few years Einaudi has settled into an approach that successfully combines elements of modern and traditional approaches. In 2006 the Nebbiolo harvest took place during the first half of October. The Barolos were fermented in stainless steel, and aged first in French oak and subsequently in larger, neutral casks. Einaudi is among the properties in Piedmont moving in a direction that increasingly favors large oak over small French oak barrels. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900

Good deep red. The aromas of flowers, spices and minerals display lovely calcaire lift. Densely packed but quite light on its feet, with lovely inner-mouth perfume for the year. This is a seriously vibrant and classy 2006 that may ultimately merit an even higher score. Finishes with ripe, chewy tannins. Matteo Sardagna now ages his Barolos for 18 months in barriques (30% new), then moves them into 25-hectoliter casks for another year.