1997 Barolo Brunate
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Tasting notes
The 1997 Barolo Brunate is fabulous. Here, too, I expected to find a bit more evolution, but the wine is quite fresh and has none of the roasted qualities that are such an issue elsewhere. Sure, the 1997 is not classically austere forbiddingly tannic, but it is hugely delicious and a wine of pure, total pleasure. I loved it.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 1997 Barolo Brunate/Le Coste, from magnum, is magnificent. A thrill a minute, the 1997 is firing on all cylinders. What a pleasure it is to share this superb old-school Barolo.
An old style Barolo, Rinaldi's 1997 Brunate Le Coste exhibits a dense, saturated plum/garnet color in addition to aromas of flowers, cinnamon, allspice, dried herbs, earth, licorice, and mineral-infused black cherries. Layered and powerful, with astringent tannin as well as a huge concentration of fruit, this classic, tough-textured Barolo will be admired by traditionalists. The magic will emerge after 3-5 years of cellaring, although do not expect this wine to have the suppleness or sexy, new oak style of a modernist's Barolo. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2018. Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (516) 467-5907
Good dark red. Slightly high-toned aromas of violet and cassis, with the exotic fruit note shown by so many Barolos from this superripe year. Lush, sweet and expressive in the mouth; flavors of red fruit complicated by a slightly rustic quality. Quite pliant and fruity for a young Rinaldi wine. Finishes with substantial, thoroughly ripe tannins and sneaky length.
About the producer
Giuseppe Rinaldi is one of the most famous names in Piedmont, revered for producing staunchly traditional, highly collectable Nebbiolo wines.