2008 Cappellano, Barolo DOCG, Otin Fiorin, Pie Rupestris-Nebioli, Piedmonte, Italy.
I have read about Cappellano, I had heard whispers, I had begged to taste, and now after finally sampling I’m even more impressed and stunned by the quality and class found here, this Cappellano Barolo 2008 is a masterpiece, a totally gorgeous Nebbiolo with elegance and depth, this is a Grand Cru class red that deserves it’s cult status! Doing homework and chasing down info on Cappellano was always difficult, and while in the digital age, still not much is available, in English especially, but from all my searching I found that only a tiny amount is produced, less than 800 cases of Barolo, and America is only given a handful of those cases, so I know how very lucky I am to have had a chance to try this majestic wine from the Serralunga district of Barolo, and from it’s most magical site and hill, honestly I could easily have just put 100 Points, it is that good and that rare. Augusto Cappellano carries on his families traditional and natural winemaking style, native yeasts and long cellar times in old-neutral casks, adds to the heritage and mystique found in this profound Barolo, it is truly an art of love and tradition in every sense. The bouquet is haunting with dried roses, sweet herbs and poached red fruits leading to a firm palate of cherry, strawberry and reduced plum sauce with wild game, lavender, minty licorice and earthy truffle notes. The finish goes on and on, it feels like forever, and everything is so pure and perfectly terroir essences, this could be nothing else, one of the best expressions of Barolo, I cannot begin to tell you how fantastic, but it is without doubt one of my top wines period. Cappellano’s Rupestris 2008 is utterly mind blowing.
($95 Est.) 96 Points, grapelive
Avail at www.sfwtc.com ($94.95)