Cavallotto Tasting at Biondivino

Always fun to taste at Biondivino. It's a small shop, cozy even, so you're guaranteed to not be crushed in a crowd. Plus you get some face time with the wine maker (if they're pouring). Alfio Cavallotto was indeed pouring, and chatting amiably about the wines and the vintages. I was a bit disappointed not to see any '19s since that vintage is the 'current' one in market, but still there was a good smattering of wines to taste. I've only had a few of this producer's wines so was pleased to get a chance to explore the range.

(poured as a single flight)

• 2021 Cavallotto Dolcetto d'Alba Vigna Scot 90 Points

  Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Dolcetto d'Alba

  Surprisingly serious yet accessible Dolcetto. Good richness and balance, with less of the roughness I associate with lesser Dolcettos. Very good, could even age this a few years.

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• 2021 Cavallotto Barbera d'Alba Superiore Vigna del Cuculo 90 Points

  Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Barbera d'Alba Superiore

  Tasted after the Dolcetto, I found this a bit more giving and pleasurable, with a good red fruited herbal nose and palate, but perhaps a bit less serious. Another very enjoyable wine in this tasting, something I'd be delighted to find in a restaurant.

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• 2021 Cavallotto Langhe Nebbiolo 91 Points

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Langhe DOC

  Oh, this was a very good Nebbiolo. Alfio Cavallotto called it a real baby Barolo, and he wasn't exaggerating. Clear Nebbiolo nose, floral and red fruited, well balanced palate with some structure. Tart and bright with good vibrancy. Good now, also a possible mid-term ager.

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• 2018 Cavallotto Barolo Bricco Boschis 92 Points

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

  Fun to taste this next to the '21 LN. Clearly a nice step up, with greater floral aromatics, density, and flat out deliciousness. I found a bit of a hollow in the mid-palate, perhaps indicative of the vintage, or perhaps tightness? Still, this is a classic, well made Barolo that makes me want to open up some more '18s and see where the vintage is at.

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• 2017 Cavallotto Barolo Riserva Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe 93 Points

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

  Another very good wine in this line up. I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt with the rating. It did show a bit more in the palate throughout than the '18 BB and had more density, tannin, and a very long well balanced finish. Perhaps a bit closed as well but this one seems to be holding back more. I don't usually rate on potential, but given this line up it seemed appropriate.

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These were all extremely well made wines. Cavollotto's reputation for quality and classicism is well deserved. The 'lesser' wines were all very good, and the '21s are, I hope, a good indicator of the quality of that vintage. The two Barolos showed well. The '18 honestly was better than I expected given the reputation of that vintage. The '17 Reserva was a bit closed but showed well. I wasn't inspired to buy any bottles, but Cavallotto has increased a notch or two in my interest based on this event.