Elio Altare: Barolo Brunate 1999-2001

Elio Altare realized a long-standing dream when he began to produce a Barolo from this storied vineyard.  This mini-vertical of Altare’s Barolo Brunate was very insightful in gaining a better of sense of the characteristics of the 1999-2001 vintages.  While all the wines are outstanding, the 1999 is truly special.  Of his 1999, Altare says it is “probably the best I have made so far.”

2001 Elio Altare Barolo Brunate—Saturated dark ruby. Complex and multi-dimenional nose of licorice, tar, eucalyptus, cocoa, and wet earth.  Very soft and supple, with lots of ripe dark red and black fruit, this seamless and well-integrated Barolo is extremely long.  This shut down quickly in the glass and my score may prove to be conservative. An absolute beauty.  94 points/drink after 2011, 12/04