The 2003 Barolo Bricco Boschis Riserva Vigna San Giuseppe is a dramatic, large scaled wine bursting with dark fruit in a striking, pure style. The wine remains extremely primary and in need of bottle age, but is a very successful effort in this challenging vintage. Very slight notes of oxidation appear as the wine sits in the glass, and there may not be enough balance here for the wine to make very old bones, but it should still offer a pretty thrilling ride along the way. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2028.
I continue to be deeply impressed with the wines that are emerging from this family-owned property in Castiglione Falletto. Cavallotto makes their Barolos in an updated traditional style that has produced compelling results, especially over the last few years. Cavallotto is one of Piedmont’s best kept secrets, and not just for Barolo. Their entry-level wines offer superb quality for the money. Incidentally, I have seen a fair amount of 2000 and 2001 Barolo Bricco Boschis Riserva Vigna San Giuseppe on the US market recently at what are very fair prices, to put it mildly. Readers with access to those wines should run, not walk, as a number of recent bottles have been spectacular, especially for the money.
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