Grasso’s 2003 Barolo Ginestra Casa Mate reveals a decidedly dark, brooding personality redolent of dark fruit, menthol, spices, leather and coffee beans. Made in an intensely powerful yet layered style, it offers notable richness as well as complexity but at the same time the appearance of more advanced aromas suggest it may not be especially long-lived. Incidentally, I have already gone through half a case of the superb 2001. Readers who have an opportunity to pick up this wine should not hesitate to do so. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2015. Elio Grasso is one of those producers who for some reason doesn’t seem to receive the recognition he deserves. While that is unfortunate, it does mean the wines are often available at very reasonable prices. 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

Has aromas of very ripe plum, with hints of vanilla and strawberry. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and plenty of light chocolate, vanilla and delicate raspberry character. Chewy. Best after 2009. 1,230 cases made, 315 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add