1996 Giuseppe Rinaldi, Barolo DOCG, Brunate-La Coste, Piedmonte, Italy.
A chance to taste a rare mature Barolo should not be missed, especially as they don’t come around too often, so I seized the moment and opportunity to sample this beautiful Rinaldi, of which I have almost record of trying in the past. While not all that keen on the Coravin system for personal use, I am grateful for it’s use in this case and have maybe decided they are useful tools, if not a must have for wine professionals. So in went the magic needle and out came this delicious 1996 Rinaldi Nebbiolo into a glass for me. Thanks to a lucky collector that scored this bottle recently, in perfect as new condition, and thanks to the Coravin device now knows it is not corked and in it’s prime. The 1996 vintage was a classic year in Piedmonte with firm tannins and plenty of acidity, both of which are still on display here in this lovely Barolo, it shows some stewy flavors at first, but soon opens to reveal dried roses, wild mint, anise and tar with a detailed palate of red currants, cherry and damson plum along with decaying autumn leaves, sandalwood, a hint of orange rind and mineral notes. After a few minutes the tannins perk up and things firm up with black licorice, game and truffle starting to show up as well, there is a complexity and pure character that are enchanting, this small taste left me wanting more and an evening to ponder the joys in the glass, this Giuseppe Rinaldi Brunate-La Coste Barolo is a seductive wine, drink now and for the next 3 to 5 years, I certainly wouldn’t be waiting!
($220-400 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
