Italian night at Bondaboy's

Jamie graciously hosted a vertical tasting of 1999, 2000 and 2001 Monvigliero Barolo. Slow cooked beef shank over a bed of risotto. It was fantastic!

• 1999 Fratelli Alessandria Barolo Monvigliero 90 Points

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

  opened, poured, no decant. the nose did not suggest that it needed a decant and after drinking the bottle everyone agreed that no decant was required. on the nose there was some cedar, caramel, raisin and a mixed cloud of fruit and first aid box. there seemed to be two layers to the nose - 1) some fruit and burns off to a 2) slight diaper smell. the finish wasn't that tanic at all. a little dry on the finish, but not excessive. the group agreed that there was not a lot of life left in this wine, but it was drinking very well at the moment.

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• 2000 Fratelli Alessandria Barolo Monvigliero 91 Points

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

  opened and decanted. after drinking the 1999 and 2001, the consensus was that this was the best of the three. more tart fruit and berry on the nose. the finish also had a lot more acidity to it vs. the 1999, but acidity in a good way. this wine seemed to have quite a few years left in it, so do not feel in a rush to open.

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• 2001 Fratelli Alessandria Barolo Monvigliero 90 Points

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

  opened and decanted. drank this against the 1999 and 2000. while the 2000 was the fan favorite, this was a close second. red fruit on the nose (much stronger vs. the 1999 and 2000). still a dry finish, but with good fruit flavors on the palate. the initial red fruit on the nose turned into blackberry after about 1 hour. this wine was the highest of the 3 vintages in terms of tannins. my estimation is that this wine will be good for at least 3 more years and maybe more...

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