Elio Altare has produced another gem in his 2003 Barolo Brunate. It is a contemplative, meditative wine that possesses an enviable amount of clarity and precision in a vintage where those qualities were very hard to come by. Black cherries and the darker balsamic menthol and eucalyptus notes for which Brunate is so famous all emerge from the wine’s weighty frame in a stunning display of purity, elegance and power. While the 2003 may not be the best vintage of this wine, it amply demonstrates why Elio Altare is in a class with few peers. I consider Altare’s Barolo Brunate one of Italy’s greatest wines. It is one of the few Barolos that is a must-purchase in every vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021. Elio Altare’s wines represent the finest of the artisanal tradition, so it can hardly be surprising that he has once again produced some of the vintage’s most compelling Barolos. In fact, with his 2003 Barolos Altare shows just how far ahead of the pack he is. Now that he is officially “retired,” Altare is even more philosophical than in the past. “At the end of the day 50% of what makes a wine great is luck,” says Altare, in his characteristic self-deprecating style. If that is the case Altare must surely be one of the luckiest growers on the planet. “This is my 40th harvest, yet each vintage has a unique story to tell, which is what makes wine so fascinating. In 2003 we did four Nebbiolo harvests from the 7th to the 28th of September. The earlier harvests gave us some freshness while the later harvests provided more richness and body.” Altare’s 2004s are potentially profound, and his cellar also holds some of the finest 2005 Barolos I have tasted so far. Unfortunately Altare’s Barolo vineyards suffered extensive hail damage in 2006. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411

This shows very vivid strawberry and raspberry aromas, with a hint of fresh herbs. Full-bodied and very concentrated, with big, chewy tannins and lots of ripe fruit. Very, very long. Best after 2010. 100 cases made, 60 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add