Anyone have the 2019 Vallana Gattinara or Colline Novaresi Spanna? Found some of both at good prices when factoring in some Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals (not that these aren’t cheap to begin with).
To be clear, this is a phenomenon that I observed prior to the most recent tariffs so that is definitely not the cause. The 2020 release of the Burlotto LN would be an example where I went to reload and found the offered pricing very high compared to what I originally paid. I already agreed it was probably as much importers as anything citing to the increased price of prearrivals. That said, when we say “things like Burlotto LN, which are few and far between,” this is exactly the type of wine I’m talking about. Burlotto, Calvallotto, and similarly sought after wines. It was by no means a wider comment on pricing across the board but more an agreement to the post above, that the entry level wines of the more sought after producers have accelerated pricing precipitously to the point where the value proposition can be difficult.
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I have not had the 2019 vintage, but had the 2014 Gattinara last year and thought it was exceptional, especially for the price. Found it to be a similar style/expression to Nervi.
2019 Spanna is excellent.
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You really can’t go wrong. I have never had a bad vintage of either, albeit buying mostly in vintages already considered good.
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Two aged (not old) Nebbiolo (based) wines. No formal notes. Both were double decanted in the morning, served in the evening and the corked had held up quite well. Said my prayers but it was clear early on that that wasn’t necessary, or perhaps the prayers were heard.
1999 F. Nada Rombone
This was more directly on from the go. Delicious, very fresh fruit (red and dark) profile, floral, licorice, long finish and a quite velvety had some bite to the tannins. Good acidic drive.
1998 Le Piane Boca
The 10th vintage under Christoph Kunzli.
Lovely and more complex nose than the Rombone, though required more time in the glass, and gained weight and complexity over time Menthol, licorice, cherries and ripe red berries. Really juicy and fresh texturally dancing on the palate (sneaky in the background tannins), lingering seductive finish.
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Somewhat restrained nose, this has cool black and blue fruit aromas with blood orange on its outer edges intermingling with violets and tar. Graceful on the initial sip, but with focus and power that intensifies on the back end revealing a lovely melange of plum, wild blueberry, menthol, dried herbs, petrichor, and leather flavors. Beneath the complex flavor profile there is a sturdy iron core that persists over its long finish. Very approachable now in keeping with the vintage but has a great backbone of refined, firm tannins and ripe acidity. Dark yet sophisticated, this is a pleasure to drink and should age nicely.
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Bought a few of these for a song. Opened one up with pizza and was incredibly impressed. My Barolo experience is mixed. I’ve enjoyed bottles of sandrone with 30 years of age and bottles super young as well. I know this isn’t a top producer but I liked this quite a bit. Rose petals…tannins surely but enjoyable.
Is this a modern producer? Is this a facet of the 2019 vintage?
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