Barolo, Cuneo
Produttori del Barbaresco
Riserva Ovello Barbaresco Nebbiolo 2017
This is an intense, full-bodied wine. A striking minerality with scents of cherry on the nose. On the palate, the rich cherry flavor comes through with beautiful violet tones melding together harmoniously with a ferrous-driven minerality. The finish is long with the violet and cherry flavors making way for iron notes and strong tannins, which are almost too strident on the finish. I see the tasting window starting in 2017 or 2018. I decanted most of the bottle for two hours while leaving a serving in bottle for the second day. These notes are based on second day. Tannins were smoother second day, although still quite strong. I had the 2016 in the fall, and it had more complexity with softer tannins on the finish. — 5 months ago
G.D. Vajra
Langhe Rosso Red Blend 2023
Gaja
Sorì San Lorenzo Langhe Nebbiolo 2005
Dark and intense. Mocha, plum, leather on the nose. Rounded and plush on the mid palate. Rich and rounded with a fine tannins — 6 months ago
G.D. Vajra
Langhe Nebbiolo 2023
Clear, pale ruby in color with a hint of garnet; on the nose, it's clean with pronounced primary aromas of cherries, hibiscus, leather, and cured meat; on the palate, dry with high acidity, high tannins, high alcohol, full body, and pronounced primary flavors of raspberries, strawberries, black tea, and clay pots with a long finish. This wine is complex and intense. There's a bitter flavor that is a little out of balance. Overall, I rate this wine as very good. Definitely needs to breath. — 4 months ago
Giacomo Conterno
Riserva Monfortino Barolo Nebbiolo 1941
Conterno’s “Monfortino” Barolo Riserva (early vintages like this one were labeled as “Stravecchia” and “Extra Barolo”) practically defined the Riserva style. In many ways, one could make the arguement that it blazed the trail for Barolo’s reputation as being the age-worthy wine it is today. Back in the early days, Monfortino was a blend of purchased fruit. Control of Cascina Francia, in Serralunga d’Alba, did not come until the late 1970’s. I can’t be sure but I believe the fruit used to be sourced from Monforte d’Alba and specifically from Le Coste, Bussia and possibly others.
This bottle was opened several hours prior to service. The 1941 Monfortino pours a pale garnet/rust color with significant rim variation and a translucent core; medium viscosity with no staining of the tears and light sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of Maraschino cherry, menthol, Tootsie Roll, espresso macchiato, walnut, and truffle. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin (fully integrated) and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. Sublime. Getting to experience an 80+ year old wine is always a special treat. Getting to experience a Barolo from World War II, during one of the darkest periods in Italy’s past, is extraordinary. Getting to experience early Monfortino (pre-estate) made by Giacomo himself…well, it is drinking history. I nearly got emotional. While it’s clearly is showing its age, the 1941 shows its class and has some impressive moves. We delighted as it danced across the palate, proving that it still has stories to tell. Drink now if you ever see a bottle. — 5 months ago
Giuseppe Cortese
Rabajà Barbaresco Nebbiolo 2001
Opened a couple of hours before service. The 2001 “Rabaja” pours a garnet color with a translucent core and fairly significant rim variation; medium+ viscosity with light staining of the tears and significant sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of ripe and desiccated, red fruit: Morello cherry, dried red flowers, truffle, old leather bound books, a mix of organic and inorganic earth and a pleasant blend of cool and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with high tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose where there’s a bit of a Maillard reaction with the fruit showing a touch more stewed. The finish is medium+. Drink now after a couple hours in the decanter but should drink well through 2031. — 4 months ago
G.D. Vajra
Barbera d'Alba 2024
More in alignment with WS review: “Cherry, raspberry, violet and mineral aromas and flavors mark this perfumed red. Racy and elegant, with defining acidity. Persistent finish. Drink now through 2028. 3,300 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.” — Bruce Sanderson… Versus WE: “Like a garden at twilight, this Barbera lifts with violets and lavender before diving into a pool of plums and boysenberries, kissed by fresh herbs. The palate mirrors this purple-fruited dance with juicy precision. Give it a slight chill and watch it become the life of the party.” — Jeff Porter. — 4 months ago
Gaja
Sito Moresco Langhe Nebbiolo Blend 2017
Pretty good but surprisingly seemed like it was starting to go past its peak. Cherry, layers, long, silky tannins. — 4 months ago
Comm. G.B. Burlotto
Verduno Pelaverga 2024
Gorgeous in 2024. So floral. — 5 months ago
Freddy R. Troya
Damilano – Lecinquevigne Barolo – 2016
Barolo DOCG – Piemonte, Italy 🇮🇹
Overview
A classic, elegant Barolo from Damilano, sourced from multiple vineyards across the Barolo commune (“Lecinquevigne” = five vineyards). 100% Nebbiolo, expressing a refined, traditional profile with precision rather than brute force. The 2016 vintage delivers clarity, balance, and aromatic purity, an excellent example of Barolo with both structure and charm.
Aromas & Flavors
Beautifully expressive bouquet of rose petals, dried cherry, tart red berries, orange peel, and subtle spice. The aromatic profile remains lifted and graceful through the glass, maintaining freshness and definition until the last sip.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with vibrant acidity and finely knit tannins. Elegant, linear, and well-proportioned. After ~45 minutes of decanting, the wine opens nicely, gaining aromatic depth and textural harmony without losing its Nebbiolo-driven tension.
Food Pairings
Ideal with braised meats, mushroom-based dishes, truffle pasta, veal, or aged hard cheeses. Also compelling with savory, umami-driven plates.
Verdict
A very well-made, classic Barolo that emphasizes elegance and aromatic finesse over power. The 2016 vintage shines here, offering balance, poise, and a clear expression of Nebbiolo’s signature “rose and tart” character.
Did You Know?
Lecinquevigne is Damilano’s interpretation of a multi-vineyard Barolo, designed to showcase the broader Barolo terroir while maintaining consistency and approachability, especially in strong vintages like 2016.
🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
Graceful and expressive rather than imposing. After a short decant, this Barolo truly comes alive, floral, tart, and polished. A refined take on Nebbiolo that rewards patience and attention. — 5 months ago