The 2010 Barolo Gavarini Chiniera is an amazing wine born 430 meters above sea level from white limestone and sandy soils. The elegance expressed by the wine is unforgettable. It opens to a pretty garnet color with ethereal tones of licorice and balsam herb with sharp, delineated contours. This vineyard is usually harvested later than the others, so the growing cycle is extra long and steady. The wine is silky, finessed and profound. Drink: 2018-2040.
Gianluca Grasso says the 2008 Barolo Riserva Roncot will be released in 2015. I did not taste that wine because he felt it needed more time. Otherwise the Grasso family has been working hard with researchers at the University of Turin to identify ambient yeast that they may, or may not, utilize in the future.
Various American importers, including: Martin Scott Wines, Little Neck, NY; tel. (516) 327-0808; Classic Wine Imports, Norwood, MA; tel. (800) 862-4585; Admirality Beverage Co., Portland, OR; tel. (503) 265-3555; Wine Warehouse