Well ain’t this something, a 2003 that doesn’t suck! Truth be told, forum’s own Tvrtko recommended this so I was pretty confident I would be getting something drinkable and this is definitely that. Now on day 2 it is actually more grippy than last night, i.e. even more to my liking, go figure. I don’t have many points of comparison due to actively avoiding the vintage but remember the 2003 Produttori del Barbaresco normale being quite clearly a less successful wine. This one had an ever so slightly disturbing off-note on the nose in the beginning but after an hour or so in the decanter it was gone. While probably the least great Cantalupo wine I’ve had this still serves as a reminder that this is a great address for traditional Nebbiolo and I should be buying all I can find before they are discovered.
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2003 Antichi Vigneti di Cantalupo Ghemme Collis Breclemae - Italy, Piedmont, Northern Piedmont, Ghemme (19.5.2023)
So very classic on the nose. All the way autumnal and savory with red fruit, wet leaves, a hint of tar, some iron and dried herbs. On the palate it surprises with how smooth and caressing it is, its tannic grip emerging only towards the finish which, to be fair, is slightly drying. The vintage cannot not be taken into consideration and I really cannot find any signs of heat here, but then the label only states 13% which is low for Nebbiolo no matter what the vintage. The flavor profile has developed into one harmonious whole, this merely tastes like a middle-aged Nebbiolo rather than a list of adjectives. While very dry it’s not thin or austere at all. There is nothing expectional here but for a product of this particular vintage it is well balanced and very drinkable and I suppose that is more than many others can claim.
Posted from CellarTracker