Friday Sips

2014 VIETTI BARBERA D'ALBA
'TRE VIGNE'
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE

As the name for this wine implies, this Barbera comes from 3 vineyard sites in the Alba region, specifically from Castiglione Falletto and Monforte, both superb Barolo villages, and Castiglione Tinella which is renowned for its superb Barbera.

The 2014 is as stylish as ever and there isn't a hair out of place on this refined and lacy number. Sophisticated and floral with plenty of hearty raspberry tones, the sophistication reveals its spirit that come from Luca's precise attention to detail within these fine vineyard sites. Seductive with Italian herbs and spices, smoke and high-toned mineral aromas are seemingly non-stop with this most debonair expression. Classic and forward, one sees that Luca isn't intervening with the fine terroir from which this wine comes from. Drink this beauty with roasted meats, risotto and mushroom-laden dishes, you won't be disappointed.

2013 VIETTI BARBERA D'ALBA
'VIGNA SCARRONE'
$39.99 BTL./$239.94 - SIX PACK

Whether it be his single cru or his Tre Vigne offerings, what Luca is doing with Barbera on all levels is virtually unparalleled. Scarrone is a super-special site for Barbera. A single vineyard in Castiglione Falletto, that if it were planted to Nebbiolo, it would be called Barolo. Year in and year out, this Barbera confirms its terroir and after a few years bottle age, you think that you are actually smelling Barolo. However, this is ravishing Barbera right now that epitomizes beauty!

Following all of the patterns of both an outstanding vintage as well as outstanding farming as well as hailing from the Alba region, the 2013 is one of the finest, upscale Barbera wines produced...period! Chock full of strawberry, cranberry and violet scents that are wrapped around smoke and never overpower! Layered and luscious in the mouth with hearty and brisk tones that make it a sumptuous winter wine with risotto or bold pasta dishes. There is a lot of beauty to this wine now and we whole-heartedly recommend opening it, but do put some away, it will easily age another decade.

2013 VIETTI NEBBIOLO
LANGHE 'PERBACCO'
$25.99 BTL./$311.88 CASE

Upon smelling and tasting this wine, Bryan's initial notes were, "this smokes a hell of a lot of Normale Barolo at considerably higher prices"! This isn't overstating the fact because this wine is from single Barolo vineyards with vines averaging 35 years. In one way I wish Luca would label it as Barolo, but on the other hand doing this label notation would naturally increase the price.

Barolo in all but name, the Perbacco is a selection of juice and vineyards that show more readiness and drinkability than the Barolo Castiglione. With aging 24 months in cask, the required time for Barolo, this wine is a supreme value. 2013 is a classically-formed, virtuoso vintage for Piedmont and the latest edition is majestic. Think of 1996 or 2004 with excellent stuffing. Drawn-out red fruits, roses, chocolate licorice and undercurrents of perfumed earth tones, there is exquisite movement, depth and persistence, especially on the detailed and luxurious finish. Drinks well early and ages impeccably, too. Enjoy it over the next 6-9 years with hearty risotto dishes, roasted game or intense cheeses. To quote our great friend Luca Currado, owner/winemaker at Vietti, "If you learn to like the Perbacco Nebbiolo, you are then able to appreciate and love the Vietti Barolo even more!"

2012 VIETTI BAROLO 'CASTIGLIONE'
$49.99 BTL./$299.94 - SIX PACK

Undoubtedly this is one of the most outstanding price/quality rapport Barolo wines that we work with year in and year out. Vietti's Castiglione Barolo is way, way more than just an entry-level offering. In fact, this could be broken down by vineyard and Luca Currado could legitimately produce numerous different single cru wines from this. As a tribute to the generations before him, Luca takes all of these small lots, ferments them separately and then blends them into one hell of a serious Barolo that is a ridiculous steal for its price level!

‘With fruit sourced from various points within the Castiglione Falletto township, the 2012 Barolo Castiglione continues on its promise to offer a solid drinking experience based purely on quality Nebbiolo. This wine speaks more to the specific qualities of Nebbiolo, more than vineyard site. It opens to a dark garnet color with young aromas of cherry and spice. Elegant balsam notes of mint and licorice add a sharper sense of definition. This is a solid-drinking Barolo for the near and medium term. – 93 POINTS, THE WINE ADVOCATE’

FRIDAY SIPS

Seamless & Themeless New Arrivals
Four excellent choices featuring several from the list of wines above

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2014 Janasse Cotes-du-Rhone Reserve
2013 Chateau Montelena Zinfandel
2015 Autocton Celler Vi Blanc
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