2010 Barolo Brunate
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Tasting notes
The 2010 Barolo Brunate is only made for export markets (it is not sold in Italy) and 2011 will be the last vintage of this wine since Elio Altare lost the lease on this parcel (that was compensated by a new wine from the Cannubi cru with a 2011 vintage that will be released in 2015). The cru shows its characteristic concentration, power and definition of tannins. Pretty oak nuances still need to integrate against the solid fabric of the wine. Dark fruit is followed by chocolate and exotic spice. The mouthfeel is very long lasting and can be counted in long minutes. That lasting impression is also supported by the firmness of the tannins. This is another wine that needs time to evolve. Drink: 2017-2035. Various American importers, including: Michael Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300; Estate Wines, San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2010 Barolo Brunate is a wine for the Gods and Goddesses. Dark, layered and brooding, the 2010 covers every inch of the palate with intense dark fruit and a seemingly endless mélange of powerful, balsamic-inflected notes. The finish is long, intense and superbly layered. Today the 2010 is huge, explosive and flat-out great. Hints of rose petals and violets leave a lasting impression. This is a monumental Barolo from the Altare family. Sadly, 2011 is the last vintage.
Bright deep red. Brown spices, dried flowers and red berries on the nose. Sweet and supple on entry, then penetrating and invigorating in the mid-palate, showing a medicinal reserve to its ineffable spicy, floral perfume. Best today on the very long, rising finish, which features sweeter, more refined tannins than the Arborina. This will need even longer to reach full maturity in bottle.