OCG’s Burlotto dinner

A look at the 2016 Burlottos, plus some points of comparison between vintages and with other producers.

The Barolos were popped on arrival at the venue and not decanted, and all were served in Zalto Burgundy glassware.

• 2002 Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Cuvée Rare 93 Points

  France, Champagne

  Quite a dark yellow. The wine's appearance and reputation had me expecting an oxidative blockbuster, but the overall impression was of balance, sophistication and restraint. Not hugely effervescent. Nose quite heady and floral, brisk and vivacious on the palate, and with a long finish - a great combination to enliven us before the strong line-up to come. I think this wine is just getting going and I will not open another for a few years.

  Post a Comment / 3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2016 Comm. G.B. Burlotto Barolo 91 Points

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

  Extremely classic-feeling - mid-weight, tar and raspberry, bright and more austere than most other 2016s I've tried. Relatively astringent and short on the finish compared to the crus, but a fine Barolo on its own merits.

  Post a Comment / 3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2016 Comm. G.B. Burlotto Barolo Acclivi 93 Points

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

  As with the normale, quite classic and austere in feel, with the same overall feeling of brightness and freshness, but unsurprisingly with more to say for itself. A soft, herbal nose, with liquorice. Upon tasting I experienced loads of sharp red fruit (with occasional hints of candied sweetness), and a feeling of ever-increasing amplitude despite the wine's medium body and fresh feel. Unsurprisingly, a really long finish.

  Post a Comment / 3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2016 Comm. G.B. Burlotto Barolo Cannubi 97 Points

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

  Wow. Menthol and flowers on the nose, which was pleasant but not a stand-out; this wine's fireworks are on the palate. Such incredible depth of rich, deep, dark fruit, without compromising on freshness. Really long. More tannins than the other 2016s, but these were fine rather than extreme and, whilst excitable and primary, this wine is certainly ready to enjoy. The group's #2 tonight.

  Post a Comment / 3 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2016 Comm. G.B. Burlotto Barolo Monvigliero 98 Points

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

  Extraordinary. Oregano, lavender, olive and blackcurrant on the delightfully perfumed nose. So full of flavour on the palate, with herbs and spices and sweet cherry fruit. Seamless, elegant and actually worthy of the tasting note cliche 'impeccable balance'. Despite everything, my main memory aside from the perfume is of how light on its feet and drinkable the wine was - sensational. Group WOTN (although not everyone voted it as #1).

  Read 3 Comments / Post a Comment / 5 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2004 Comm. G.B. Burlotto Barolo Monvigliero 93 Points

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

  Noticeably savoury and mature, especially after the flight of 2016s. Lovely balance. Clean and crisp in feel, with plentiful deep cherry fruit and a long juicy finish. Great wine, but lacked the perfume of the other Monvig vintages tonight.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2006 Comm. G.B. Burlotto Barolo Monvigliero 96 Points

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

  Incredible perfume, immediately swooshing straight out of the glass and repeatedly bringing me back for another sniff. Relatively dark colour. Quite sharp and focused on the palate. Nicely mature - in its sweet spot?

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2010 Comm. G.B. Burlotto Barolo Monvigliero 96 Points

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

  Another absolutely sublime nose, this time with smoke, dark florals and a touch of game (that even verged on Gorgonzola!). Relatively sharp on the palate, with dark fruits and a stealthy punch of tannin - but this was certainly ready to enjoy. Incredible length. Group #3

  Post a Comment / 2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2008 Vietti Barolo Lazzarito 92 Points

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

  Not sure this bottle was in top condition - felt slightly advanced, and my glass had quite a bit of sediment. Quite rich, dark and stern (though not tannic). Lovely flavour, soft and long. A little heady though, and a bit clunky by comparison with tonight's other Barolos.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• 2008 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Cascina Francia 95 Points

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

  A wonderful, spicy, perfumed nose, with smoked meat and tar. Clean and silky on the palate - especially by contrast to the Vietti alongside it - with prominent acidity (reflecting the vintage?). An attractive combination of elegance and power.

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

• NV Cappellano Barolo Chinato 92 Points

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo Chinato

  What a curious liquid! Is it an amaro? Is it a dessert wine? Is it even actually sweet?! Cloves and menthol, quite rich and medicinal - Fernet Branca gone luxe. An oddly fine match for an oversized chocolate and hazelnut macaron. (2010 base)

  Post a Comment / Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue

An incredible vinous experience, with all wines showing well (even the Vietti was just a relative disappointment - it was still a tasty wine) and some showing better than that.

On my part, the 16, 10 and 06 Monvigliero, the 16 Cannubi and the Conterno were all strong contenders for the group top 3 vote - I had the 16 and the 10 first and second and the Cannubi third, but the group swapped #2 and #3 and with hindsight the incredible flavour of the Cannubi seems more memorable and unique than the perfume of the 10. The 16's combination of perfume, power and weightlessness really is a stand-out, though - what a wonderful wine.