PnP, served non-blind. Simply put, the finest Barbera I've ever had, and I've had plenty in the past 20 years. Needless to say, I was caught quite by surprise, having mixed feelings at best for this uva in this particular vintage; I was totally schooled. Cavallotto is such a class act, from the capsule and label, through to the very last drop from the bottle. I'm reticent to give this comparison, but it's as honest as the fruit was pure - as vibrant on the nose and palate as any Cru Barolo in recent memory. Structured, elegant and powerful without actually flexing any muscles. Carried this back with me after buying it and some others from Giuseppe. One of my top 5 so far this year, something I never thought I would say about anyone's Barbera. Everything I thought it could be when I had this 6 months ago; so thankful it was. 14,5% abv,drink thru 2016
(if I had 11 other bottles from the same case, I wouldn't expect any of them to repeat the performance that I had with this bottle. Wine is a living thing, and I just got really, really lucky with tonight's performance. Or, at least that's what I'll tell myself...)
Aerated to decanter 1 hour. Pretty serious stuff here, that is likely another year or two from peak. Nonetheless, very enjoyable now with some aeration. Autumn leaves, black cherries, roses, cocao nibs and black truffle. Flavors largely follow the nose to a medium-bodied, neatly framed package. Acids do not overwhelm, tannins offer good support. Impressive stuffing here, but the fruit needs some more time to become more fully expressive. 14,5% abv, drink thru 2016
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Full of character and personality. Long and vigorous with vibrant acidity. Very pure aromatics. This to me was a pleasant surprise. Should have lots of life ahead of it, though I see no reason not to try one now, if you have the opportunity.
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5/6/2013 - Tim Heaton wrote:
PnP, served non-blind. Simply put, the finest Barbera I've ever had, and I've had plenty in the past 20 years. Needless to say, I was caught quite by surprise, having mixed feelings at best for this uva in this particular vintage; I was totally schooled. Cavallotto is such a class act, from the capsule and label, through to the very last drop from the bottle. I'm reticent to give this comparison, but it's as honest as the fruit was pure - as vibrant on the nose and palate as any Cru Barolo in recent memory. Structured, elegant and powerful without actually flexing any muscles. Carried this back with me after buying it and some others from Giuseppe. One of my top 5 so far this year, something I never thought I would say about anyone's Barbera. Everything I thought it could be when I had this 6 months ago; so thankful it was. 14,5% abv,drink thru 2016
(if I had 11 other bottles from the same case, I wouldn't expect any of them to repeat the performance that I had with this bottle. Wine is a living thing, and I just got really, really lucky with tonight's performance. Or, at least that's what I'll tell myself...)
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12/22/2012 - Tim Heaton wrote:
Aerated to decanter 1 hour. Pretty serious stuff here, that is likely another year or two from peak. Nonetheless, very enjoyable now with some aeration. Autumn leaves, black cherries, roses, cocao nibs and black truffle. Flavors largely follow the nose to a medium-bodied, neatly framed package. Acids do not overwhelm, tannins offer good support. Impressive stuffing here, but the fruit needs some more time to become more fully expressive. 14,5% abv, drink thru 2016
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2/21/2011 - JesperR wrote: 89 Points
Consistent note. Think I may have to buy some more of this lovely little thing.
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1/3/2011 - JesperR wrote: 90 Points
Full of character and personality. Long and vigorous with vibrant acidity. Very pure aromatics. This to me was a pleasant surprise. Should have lots of life ahead of it, though I see no reason not to try one now, if you have the opportunity.
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