2006 Costa di Bussia, Barolo “Luigi Arnulfo” DOCG, Piedmonte, Italy.
While all of the Costa di Bussia wines deliver charm and value from Dolcetto to Barolo, it is without question the 2006 Barolo Luigi Arnulfo that stands out and delivers a world class performance. Jason Chietti of Siena Imports, the importer presented this wine and says the 2007 and 2008 follow up vintages of the Luigi are showing as well too, though I suspect this 2006 will be the one to hold on to with it’s structure and depth, I think it should drink well for another decade or two even, such is the balance and intensity. The 2006 Luigi Arnulfo Barolo from Costa di Bussia has classic terroir, style and Nebbiolo character, it is everything you’d ever want of this grape, wine and region with dusty red fruits, herbs, spices, tea like tannins, tar, licorice and mineral notes. The bouquet flashes violets, pressed rose petals and loamy earth at you before giving way to dried currants, baked plum and cherry fruits on the nervy palate that shows fine, but firm tannin, a kick of acidity and liquid stones, truffle and strawberry jam essence. There is a subtle savory note and a hint of iodine and sea salt which sets you up for a long, long finish that has a sweet herbs and framboise with a reminder of the violets lingering on the aftertaste. This is a very impressive Barolo and one that really shows near perfect focus and lots of verve, and it should evolve nicely over the years and years ahead.
($55 Est.) 94+ Points, grapelive