(CANTINA DEL PINO Ovello) Piedmont Dear Friends, We had such an enthusiastic response to Cantina del Pino's 2005 Ovello offer (750ml) that we found a parcel of the winery's 2006 Barbaresco (Vacca's only cuvee with Starderi fruit - rumored to be a Starderi labeled Barbaresco in 2009 when he has more fruit to work with - for a much higher price of course). If you are looking for exemplary quality and value for the genre, this wine has remained an insider's example with a more traditional presence than both the Ovello and Albesani. The "Barbaresco" is not considered a lesser wine than the two single vineyard cuvees, rather it is the winery's chance to showcase each vintage as a unique growing season by blending what they feel best reflects the year - the addition of Starderi fruit also keeps it unique from the other two wines. Kudos to Renato Vacca for keeping the price at the lowest end of the totem pole for Barbaresco (despite very high quality that is better than many of the more expensive wines from his famous neighbors). A winery worth supporting: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for the vintage, producer and price/value ONE SHIPMENT ONLY at this price with impeccable provenance: 2006 Cantina del Pino Barbaresco ...we also have a few rare magnums of the 2005 Ovello: 2005 Cantina del Pino Barbaresco "Ovello" 1.5lt Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA Italy8971 Italy8972
(OVELLO Cantina del Pino Barbaresco) Barbaresco Dear Friends, I've been chasing this wine for several months and finally have it in my grasp. If you are searching for a serious, cool-toned expression of Barbaresco at its best, this wine delivers incredible quality at one of the lowest prices for the genre you will find. If you have a cellar and are willing to differ your gratification for at least 6-8 years (and over the following 20), this wine receives a top recommendation. Barolo and Barbaresco (and the Nebbiolo grape in general) have become kings around the world just as Burgundy (Pinot Noir) did throughout most of the last century. The grapes have similarities in their translucent appearance and both often have mysterious and stunning aromatic profiles that lure you to sneak off into the corner of a room to experience a panoply of intricate whiffs. One area where the grapes differ is in their expression of rocky, masculine power - Pinot Noir can certainly be strong-boned (Chambertin anyone?) but Nebbiolo produces wine of legendary stature when allowed to venture down the path of masculinity. Of all the 2005 examples, this wine stands out in the crowd. It is ponderous, layered, fresh (from the cool nights), perfumed and ready to explode with age. For the price, it has to be among the finest expressions of the region (including Barolo): ONE SHIPMENT ONLY at this price VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for pure, detailed expression and relative value at the top-end. This parcel has perfect provenance: 2005 Cantina del Pino Barbaresco "Ovello" Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA Italy7779
By Jon Rimmerman
(CANTINA DEL PINO Ovello) Piedmont Dear Friends, We had such an enthusiastic response to Cantina del Pino's 2005 Ovello offer (750ml) that we found a parcel of the winery's 2006 Barbaresco (Vacca's only cuvee with Starderi fruit - rumored to be a Starderi labeled Barbaresco in 2009 when he has more fruit to work with - for a much higher price of course). If you are looking for exemplary quality and value for the genre, this wine has remained an insider's example with a more traditional presence than both the Ovello and Albesani. The "Barbaresco" is not considered a lesser wine than the two single vineyard cuvees, rather it is the winery's chance to showcase each vintage as a unique growing season by blending what they feel best reflects the year - the addition of Starderi fruit also keeps it unique from the other two wines. Kudos to Renato Vacca for keeping the price at the lowest end of the totem pole for Barbaresco (despite very high quality that is better than many of the more expensive wines from his famous neighbors). A winery worth supporting: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for the vintage, producer and price/value ONE SHIPMENT ONLY at this price with impeccable provenance: 2006 Cantina del Pino Barbaresco ...we also have a few rare magnums of the 2005 Ovello: 2005 Cantina del Pino Barbaresco "Ovello" 1.5lt Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA Italy8971 Italy897212/8/2009, (See more on Garagiste...)
By Jon Rimmerman
(OVELLO Cantina del Pino Barbaresco) Barbaresco Dear Friends, I've been chasing this wine for several months and finally have it in my grasp. If you are searching for a serious, cool-toned expression of Barbaresco at its best, this wine delivers incredible quality at one of the lowest prices for the genre you will find. If you have a cellar and are willing to differ your gratification for at least 6-8 years (and over the following 20), this wine receives a top recommendation. Barolo and Barbaresco (and the Nebbiolo grape in general) have become kings around the world just as Burgundy (Pinot Noir) did throughout most of the last century. The grapes have similarities in their translucent appearance and both often have mysterious and stunning aromatic profiles that lure you to sneak off into the corner of a room to experience a panoply of intricate whiffs. One area where the grapes differ is in their expression of rocky, masculine power - Pinot Noir can certainly be strong-boned (Chambertin anyone?) but Nebbiolo produces wine of legendary stature when allowed to venture down the path of masculinity. Of all the 2005 examples, this wine stands out in the crowd. It is ponderous, layered, fresh (from the cool nights), perfumed and ready to explode with age. For the price, it has to be among the finest expressions of the region (including Barolo): ONE SHIPMENT ONLY at this price VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for pure, detailed expression and relative value at the top-end. This parcel has perfect provenance: 2005 Cantina del Pino Barbaresco "Ovello" Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA Italy777911/30/2009, (See more on Garagiste...)