2007 Socre Barbaresco

• By Antonio Galloni
  New Releases from Piedmont (Dec 2010), (See more on Vinous...)

  (Socrè Barbaresco) Login and sign up and see review text.

Garagiste

• By Jon Rimmerman
  1/10/2011, (See more on Garagiste...)

  (SOCRÉ Barbaresco) UPDATE: 2006 Brunello A number of you are asking about 2006 Brunello and I will reiterate what I said a year ago: this is the finest vintage for classically styled Sangiovese I’ve ever tasted. I was hesitant to make such a broad-based statement last winter but my enthusiasm has never wavered (in a similar fashion to my enthusiasm over 2010 in Bordeaux thus far – stay tuned). Now that the Brunello wines are ready for shipping, it is apparent they’ve followed the same path as most of the top 2006 wines from Tuscany. As a whole, the vintage is the finest in central Italy since 1990 (maybe even since 1978) and it is better than the highly touted 2007 campaign (which has a higher-octane personality, similar to 2009 in Bordeaux). What makes 2006 so special is a rigorous spine and very dense tannic structure that is just not there in 2007. In Brunello, that spine was liquefied into something that resembles Burgundian Grand Cru (in a 2002-like year) meshed with finely sifted tannins and velvet extract that recoils and springs forth with nobility. After 6-10 hours of oxygen contact, the wines turn closer to what you will find along the Tuscan Coast in 2006 (see Ornellaia et al) with a brooding but still silken oxymoron persona that trumps 2001, 2004 and 2007. That yin-yang of power and exquisite subtlety is expressed by a chameleon-like character that I can never recall tasting in Brunello. A number of the best wines start out with light colors and tones akin to Côte de Beaune that drastically change and morph in the glass (and the decanter). It’s almost as if Volnay is transported to Vosne-Romanee and mixed with a dash of Ausone and 1988 Le Pergole Torte. This deceptive but also highly engaging character was also noted yesterday by James Suckling on his blog (he tasted 125-150 of the top 2006’s – his opinion was that 2006 is the best vintage since 1997, http://bit.ly/gYkMkD , but I would go a step further, back to 1990). I will keep you posted on the 2006’s as they become available but, if you have a favorite producer, the chances are they excelled (i.e., don’t wait if you see offers out there). As far as pricing and purchasing, the strategy at present is unknown. The very top wines will undoubtedly sell through but a host of others may end up at lesser prices a year or two from now simply from over-saturation of the category (a number last year’s Vintage of the Century 2004’s are now finding their way to the “Nice Price” bin). This is simple supply and demand – a decade ago 20-30 producers held 95% of the Brunello market, now we have over 100 – even 150+ by last count. Not all of them will find a market but most of them are trying to do so by delivering the finest wines in the region – that adds up to an equation that is ultimately in your favor. Stay tuned... As a side note, those of you that purchased the 2009 Monette Burgundies last week will be happy to know the wines were dooly noted at Friday’s Concours de la Côte Chalonnaise with very stiff 2009 competition. Monette walked away with two of the gold medals...not many can say that with only three entrants! Unfortunately, the entire Monette vintage is already sold out so we cannot acquire additional stock. - Jon Rimmerman *********************************** Barbaresco Dear Friends, Brunello aside, if you are looking for a relatively unknown wine of equally magnetic worth (that is absolutely lovely), your would be well-served to give this delightful and on-point example more than a passing glance. With a storied history in Barbaresco since 1880 (but hardly any export or association with critics), Socré has forged ahead through word of mouth and a loyal client base that gobbles nearly 100% of their production. With some of the finest land in this section of Barbaresco (the neighboring plots are Costa Russi and Sori Tilden), insiders are keenly aware of this source but it’s time the US populous gained a foothold as well. In a nutshell, of all the 2007 wines I’ve tasted thus far from Barbaresco, this example stands out for its exemplary price/value and filigreed expression of terroir. From the heart of the Barbaresco zone, the mysterious and feline charm of this hand-made wine cannot be overstated and it is even better after 6-8 hours of air (as noted below). For the price and genre, it is one of the top discoveries of 2011 so far... (don’t let the simple DOCG designation fool you – this wine comes from some of their best material in and around Roncaglie. Unlike many new examples in Barbaresco, it is fermented in stainless or vats, not in oak, which gives it a clarity that is fascinating – it is transferred to used barrels only after the fermentation – JR) VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED – ONE SHIPMENT ONLY (hardly any was exported). FIRST COME FIRST SERVED up to 12/person until we run out... 2007 Socré Barbaresco DOCG - This parcel is directly from the winery cellar with perfect provenance To order: niki@garagistewine.com This parcel is set to depart from Piedmont – it will arrive in early March (please check OARS for local pick up after March 15th). It will ship during the Spring shipping season. Out of state orders will be held for free under ideal storage conditions (56 degrees/70%humidity) until shipping is possible. Locals may pick up at their leisure. For current local pick up and arrival/ship information, please see your OARS link below (at the bottom of this offer) - don’t know how to access your OARS? Simply click the link and see your account. You can also paste the link into your browser. If you are having trouble with your link or your account, please contact: support@garagistewine.com NO SALES TO RETAILERS OR WHOLESALERS Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA Italy2249 Click here to view the status of your orders in O.A.R.S.