I have been lucky to drink the 2001 Barolo Ginestra Vigna Casa Mate on many, many occasions. When I worked in finance it was one of my go-to wines on Manhattan wine lists because of its reasonable price and under the radar status. The 2001 is just as impressive today. Layers of menthol, pine, spices, black cherries and graphite come alive in the glass as this deep, muscular Barolo shows off its pedigree. Ginestra is one of Barolo’s grand crus and that comes through in spades here. Everything is simply in the right place. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2031. These are three fine Baroli from the Grasso family. Personally, I think the wines improved markedly after 2004 or so, but the 2001s have nevertheless aged nicely. Various American importers, including: Martin Scott Wines, Little Neck, NY; tel. (516) 327-0808; Langdon Shiverick Imports, Cleveland, OH; tel. (213) 483-5900; Classic Wine Imports, Norwood, MA; Admirality Beverage Co. Columbia Distributing Company, Portland, Oregon; tel. (503) 289-9600

Grasso’s 2001 Barolo Ginestra Vigna Casa Mate is distinctly more spiced and mentholated on the nose than the Gavarini Vigna Chiniera, with notes of toasted oak, minerals and eucalyptus. Full-bodied and persistent, it shows rich flavors of dark ripe fruit and macerated cherries with excellent substance on the palate and superb length, providing enormous drinking pleasure. Ideally, a few years of cellaring are warranted but this wine is drinking so well right now I have had a hard time exercising such patience. Several recent bottles have all been outstanding and it would be challenging to find another Barolo that offers this much enjoyment at such a reasonable price. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018. Various American Importers including Martin Scott Wines, Little Neck, NY; tel. (516) 327-0808; Langdon Shiverick, Cleveland, OH; and Classic Wine Imports, Norwood, MA; Admiralty Beverage, Portland, OR; tel. (503) 289-9600

Aromas of plums, dried flowers and new wood follow through to a full-bodied palate, with silky tannins and a juicy, fruity aftertaste. Long and luscious. Lovely wine again. Best after 2007. 1,165 cases made, 400 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add