Jay Kline

9.3

Ginestra is arguably one of the most important MGA’s in Monforte d’Alba. It was called out by Renato Ratti back in the early days of Barolo vineyard classification and its home to Gavarini, Chiniera, Rüncot, Pajana and Grassi. As you might imagine, Cascina Chicco’s Ginestra Riserva is more than a Riserva from Ginestra. In fact, the fruit comes from the heart of the single-vineyard known as Grassi which enjoys the best exposure (straight south). However, instead of calling out “Grassi” on the label (which they are entitled to do), Cascina Chicco simply refers to “Ginestra”. Perhaps it’s tradition since Ginestra is so well known. Whatever the case may be, what really matters is that it’s delicious.

Popped and poured; enjoyed over a several hour period. The 2012 Ginestra Riserva pours a deep garnet with a transparent core; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears and no signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with powerful notes of Morello cherry, raspberry, pomegranate, cranberry, strawberry, compote, tar, roses, dried green herbs, limestone earth, and faint warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with high tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The body is fit and the texture is silky, refined. The finish is long and grippy. As one who doesn’t drink a lot of Riservas (they are expensive and sometimes a bit overdone, particularly when the Classico is just brilliant enough) this is a wonderful example that shows a lot of energy and guts for such a solar vintage. Drink now with patience and through 2042. — 2 years ago

Andrew

8.9

Leather and elegant. — 9 years ago

Nico J. Snyman

9.2

Such a beautifully expressive & high toned Langhe, if only other Langhe's could give back so much at a young age. — 9 years ago

Rachel Digiulio

9.9

Amazing ! Deep fruits, easy to drink floral aromatics! Drinks like a much more expensive wine! — 11 years ago

Marcio Morelli

9.5

Integro, delicado, SEM molho ingles. — 12 years ago

M. Christopher Roebuck

9.2

Interesting to compare these wines tonight. With 3 years of age on the Ratti it shows in the obvious areas. Color is leaning brown. Cherry and rose are giving way to earthy flavors. It's obviously impossible to determine if the younger wine would exceed the Pio Cesare 3 years, but given it's current complexity, I'm giving the nod to Ratti.

92 points — 6 years ago

Mark Royer

9.5

Maybe first Ratti vintage — 7 years ago

Jason and Jennie

9.2

Girlfriend brought gifts from Gallo and poured a blind tasting for me.

Rankings

1) 2006 Clarendon hills blewitt springs Grenache
2) 2006 Clarendon hills Clarendon Grenache

3) 2010 Edna valley winemaker series meritage (this tasted like a mount George merlot from napa)

4) 2013 Renata ratti Nebbiolo

5) 2007 Clarendon hills hickinbotham cab
6) 2014 Renato ratti barbera — 9 years ago

Misha Zavoico

9.1

Huge fan! Wonderful tannins and a bold personality. I always feel I can find something new in the finish. Fantastic price point as well. — 11 years ago

Paolo Tuccitto

9.0

Nice wine but better in 2017
— 11 years ago

Garrett Pierce

Sales Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant

9.0

I'm not sure if this is a different bottling than there normal DOC Barbera, but this is bottle was much better than any Ratti wine I've had in the past (including their Baroli). The perfect lunch wine. — 12 years ago

Ned Clark

9.2

Good alone but amazing with food — 6 years ago

J. Kim

9.1

Consistent from 2012 and 2013. — 7 years ago

Joe Lucca

9.0

Gorgeous nose of huckleberries, red currants, sweet bbq spice, chalky minerals, dried orange, and exotic florals. The orange and spice notes carry onto the palate with some clove, crushed red currant, and violets. The orange and mineral notes are oddly reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire. Needs lots of bottle age. Not as concentrated as the Conca that Renato Ratti produces, but still very good. — 8 years ago

Brad Hemmer

9.0

Aromatic, lively, green apple, minerality. — 10 years ago

with Tyler

Jörgen Lindström Carlvik

Owner, Brix Wine Consultants

9.4

A great success for Ratti in this vintage which brought to back to fame big time. This is still young with its secondary aromas and flavors just starting to add complexity. Pretty impressive. — 11 years ago

Andrew Kienle

9.5

Dark red with great balance, good earthiness and a touch of black licorice and red raspberry. Builds a bit of spiciness once it opens up. — 12 years ago