Jay Kline

9.5

Cappellano is a name that holds a very special place in my heart. The wines from this estate have a tendency to speak to my soul. They too, have a rich history that dates back to the mid/late 19th century. The 1961 was produced during the time period that Francesco Augusto Cappellano was custodian of the estate (along with two other nephews of Dottore Giuseppe Cappellano who, passed away in 1955). Contemporarily, Cappellano is inextricably associated with the Gabutti MGA. Prior to the 1980’s however, Cappellano sourced fruit from multiple vineyards in Serralunga (according to Ken Vastola aka Obi-wan Cannubi).

This particular bottle was opened several hours prior to service. The 1961 Cappellano Barolo pours a pale garnet with a translucent core and a little rust color around the edges; medium viscosity with no staining of the tears and signs of fine sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous, with Morello cherry, persimmons, beef stock, sage, leather, truffle and dry earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose where there is an almost bloody character. The finish is long and sanguine. Personally, I don’t know this hits the way that Teobaldo and Augusto’s wines do but this is good. Like, really effing good. It’s becoming exceedingly rare to drink old Barolo from producers like this. I feel very fortunate Drink now with patience through 2041+? — 2 days ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Opened at least an hour prior to service. The 2010 pours a burnished gold color with medium viscosity. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe apricots, candied yams, wet straw, rubber eraser, and all of the flowers. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. There’s a whole lotta soul here and it’s showing really well! Drink now through 2030+ — 4 days ago

Jay Kline

9.2

Splash decanted just prior to service. The 2020 pours a deep ruby/purple color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity, with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with powerful notes of dark bramble berries, blueberries, purple flowers, bacon fat, black pepper, olive, dried green herbs, and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. This was fabulous with hangar steak. Drink now through 2035+ — 6 days ago

Jay Kline

9.6

Conterno’s “Monfortino” Barolo Riserva (early vintages like this one were labeled as “Stravecchia” and “Extra Barolo”) practically defined the Riserva style. In many ways, one could make the arguement that it blazed the trail for Barolo’s reputation as being the age-worthy wine it is today. Back in the early days, Monfortino was a blend of purchased fruit. Control of Cascina Francia, in Serralunga d’Alba, did not come until the late 1970’s. I can’t be sure but I believe the fruit used to be sourced from Monforte d’Alba and specifically from Le Coste, Bussia and possibly others.

This bottle was opened several hours prior to service. The 1941 Monfortino pours a pale garnet/rust color with significant rim variation and a translucent core; medium viscosity with no staining of the tears and light sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of Maraschino cherry, menthol, Tootsie Roll, espresso macchiato, walnut, and truffle. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin (fully integrated) and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. Sublime. Getting to experience an 80+ year old wine is always a special treat. Getting to experience a Barolo from World War II, during one of the darkest periods in Italy’s past, is extraordinary. Getting to experience early Monfortino (pre-estate) made by Giacomo himself…well, it is drinking history. I nearly got emotional. While it’s clearly is showing its age, the 1941 shows its class and has some impressive moves. We delighted as it danced across the palate, proving that it still has stories to tell. Drink now if you ever see a bottle. — 2 days ago

Jay Kline

9.1

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a couple of hours. The 2019 pours a ruby color with a transparent core; medium viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of strawberry, Bing cherry, red flowers, mushrooms, sous bois, and a mix of cool and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium. This was an outstanding pairing with duck. Drink now through 2034.  — 4 days ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour alongside the 2005 vintage. The 2009 “Giulio Ferrari” pours a straw color with a persistent mousse. On the nose, the wine is developing with lovely notes of spiced apple, passion fruit, and white flowers. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and fresher than the 2005 vintage. Drink now. — 8 days ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Opened at least an hour prior to service. The 2016 Furore Bianco “Fiorduva” pours a deep straw color with medium viscosity. On the nose, the wine is developing with beautiful notes of yellow and white flowers, quince, kumquat, and saline minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. This wine is simply awesome. I’d love more of this in my life. Drink now. — 3 days ago

Jay Kline

9.4

Opened at least an hour prior to service. 100% Sauvignon Blanc, the 2016 pours bright straw color with medium viscosity. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of fresh tropical and stone fruit: passion fruit, peach, white flowers, minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and steely. I live this with the uovo in camicia. Drink now through 2031. — 3 days ago

Jay Kline

9.2

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of two days. Fairly consistent throughout but better on Day 1 to my palate where the freshness carried the day. The 2022 “Vigna Santa Lucia” pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with wonderful notes of fig, plum, old attic, dried wildflowers, and organic, iron rich earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+ with ferrous minerals. A positively lovely Barbara d’Alba that effortlessly draws one’s attention. Drink now through 2032. Thanks for the assist @Lyle Fass — 4 days ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour alongside the 2009 vintage. The 2005 “Giulio Ferrari” pours a straw color with a persistent mousse. On the nose, the wine is vinous with lovely notes of graham cracker, bruised apple, and spiced peach. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and richer than the 2009. Drink now. — 8 days ago