2011 Barolo Brunate

Beppe and Marta Rinaldi opted to bottle their 2011 Barolos in the summer of 2014 rather than the spring of this year, which has been their standard practice for some years. Like many producers, the Rinaldis shortened the amount of time their 2011 Barolos spent in barrel because of their overall precociousness. Still, Marta Rinaldi told me she would likely switch bottling times back to the summer, when ambient temperatures are warmer, as these are the traditional bottling times for Barolo. As for the 2011 Barolos, I have tasted them several times from bottle and only within the last few weeks do they appear to be coming out of an awkward phase. Overall, the 2011s will offer very good medium-term drinking. I don't perceive the visceral thrill of the very best years, but hopefully that will result in a little less of the market frenzy that has accompanied these wines over the last several vintages. From a purely personal standpoint, I preferred the sublime 2013 Langhe Nebbiolo to the 2011 Barolos.

Rinaldi's Barolos were still in separate casks when I visited the estate in July and August of this year. Like many of their colleagues, Beppe Rinaldi and his daughter Marta plan to bottle their 2011s earlier than normal, which here means around the time this article is published or a good 6 months ahead of schedule. In addition to the Brunate, I also tasted the 2011 Barolo Tre Tine in its components. Barolo fans will look forward to the 2011s with great anticipation; as they will provide plenty of immediate gratification and pure pleasure.