Grapelive Wine of the Day
By Kerry Winslow
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2007 Mario Marengo Barolo “Brunate” Piedmonte, Italy.
While this wine is tightly wound and firmly tannic, it still shines as a great example of the brilliance of these wines to be both extremely powerful and yet intriguingly elegant. This 2007 Marengo is a world class Barolo that is just staring to show itself and while it should be given a few more years in bottle to really come together it can be enjoyed now if decanted for a lengthly bit of time, more than a few hours if possible and with food. That said, I really enjoyed the intensity and tension that drives this wine and after some time in air it blossoms into a fantastic and detailed wine with all the classic terroir bursting from the glass. The nose has sweet herbs, licorice, tar, mushroom, smoke, mineral and round cherry fruit all of which dance on throughout, with the lively palate showing tangy plums, lavender, menthol, citrus rind and sweet wild strawberries. High levels of tannin and vibrant acidity give way over time to a round and elegant mouth feel and the finish is clear and lengthly. Look for this Barolo to really gain depth and fullness over the next year or so, and drink well for a decade at least, this wine merits some mid term investment, it is priced right and a few bottles in the cellars will reward the brave.
($60 Est.) 93+ Points, grapelive
Available at www.sfwtc.com
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