2017 Francesco Rinaldi & Figli Barolo Brunate [WE98][V94][D92]

Producer: Francesco Rinaldi & Figli   
Region: Barolo, Piedmont, Italy 
Varietal: Nebbiolo 
Year: 2017 

Wine Enthusiast, 98 Points 

"It'll need a few minutes in the glass but then this stunning wine takes flight, revealing enticing scents of wild berries, violet and camphor. The palate is still youthfully austere, delivering red cherry, blood orange, licorice and dark baking spice and a hint of tobacco set against firm but well integrated tannins. It has great energy and youthful tension. Drink 2027–2042." 

Vinous, 94 Points 

"The 2017 Barolo Brunate shows off its brawn and size.  Firm, muscular tannins wrap around a core of sweet red berry fruit, iron, dried herbs, licorice, tobacco and brambly, earthy notes.  I would give the 2017 at least a handful of years in bottle.  It has good depth, if, naturally, not quite the volume of the very best years." 

Decanter, 92 Points 

"From the middle part of Brunate, with a southeast exposure, this wine is fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks, with an automatic pump-over system, for a period of 25-30 days. The wine is then aged for three years in large Slavonian oak barrels. Very pale and almost brick coloured in the glass, it emerges with a leafy lightness, displaying rose, dried cherries and spice in depth. It's muscular on the palate which, alongside crisp acidity, results in a chewy texture. There is some sturdiness, meaning it's not really ready to drink yet, but it's woven into polished tannins." 

Alcohol: 14.5% 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.