2011 Vietti, Barolo, Brunate

Dark cherry, plum, smoke, menthol and spices meld together in the 2011 Barolo Brunate. Restrained and elegant in the glass, yet with fabulous depth, the 2011 Brunate is exceptionally beautiful. The rich, layerered finish provides a glimpse of what the future holds. Today, the Brunate is a real showstopper.

The 2011 Barolo Brunate is a wine of enormous pedigree, although it does not fully reach the aspiring heights of the 2010 and 2009 vintages immediately before it. Those wines set the bar so high, you need to settle for this wine that is a masterpiece in its own right. It offers deep, dark intensity with generous tones of ripe fruit, blackberry and red currant. Background notes of rosemary, cherry cola and licorice add vitality and focus. There is a subtle touch of softness in the mouth that is followed by firm tannins.