The 2011 Dolcetto d'Alba is quite pretty in this vintage. Freshly cut flowers, spices, mint and licorice jump from the glass, adding quite a bit of complexity to the expressive varietal dark fruit. Utterly vinous and delicious, Altare's Dolcetto is a model of elegance and refinement. If you've ever wondered what a winery smells like during crush, this is it. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018.
In my opinion, one of the benchmarks of a truly great estate is exceptionally high, uncompromising quality across the board. Altare is without question one of those properties where every wine is well worth the effort of seeking out.
Importers: Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300; Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; tel. (415) 492-9411; Robert Houde Wines, Elk Grove Village, IL; tel. (847) 430-3887