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Stunning vintage, landmark wines

“...there can be little doubt that 2004 is a vintage of exceptional quality. As I tasted through the vintage my sense was that the wines combine the rich, ripe fruit of 2000 with the color, aromatic complexity and structure of 2001. If that sounds like a particularly appealing combination, believe me, it is.”—Antonio Galloni, The Wine Advocate

You might want to follow our lead on this one—the 2004 vintage in Piedmont has many usually sober artisans practically speechless over the stunning quality and depth of these landmark crus. We are very excited to offer to you an early, pre-arrival selection of 2004 Barolo—as we're confident that once the bottles hit our shores in spring 2008, they'll disappear quicker than you can say Nebbiolo.

Parusso called 2004 a “complete” vintage, one that combines finesse and harmony with a deep, lush and powerful core of pure fruit and ripe tannins. Now that these wines are in bottle, we can say honestly that the following lineup is one of the most striking, elegant and compelling collections of young Barolo we've ever experienced. Stephen Tanzer of the International Wine Cellar characterized the 2004s as “scented and elegant, and at the same time structured and strong. They show many stylistic similarities to the 2001s, another warm season that benefited from fine conditions before and during the harvest.” Parusso started his harvest in late October, and continued evenly and without worry until mid-November. Because of the ideal weather, he was able to let his Nebbiolo hang on the vine longer, to ensure every berry was as ripe and balanced as possible.

2004 PARUSSO NORMALE $46.38 Pre-Arrival $51.53 at Release
Supple structure, impeccable balance, tremendous concentration—this blend of some 10 different Monforte d'Alba vineyards represents the pinnacle of Piedmont terroir, tended by the Parusso family for generations. The Wine Advocate says, "Parusso’s 2004 Barolo is a refined wine with sweet herb and toasted oak notes that complement the perfumed ripe fruit. Medium in body, it offers excellent persistence and silky caressing tannins on the finish. It is a superb effort at this level.”

“Good bright, deep red. Expressive aromas of cherry, camphor, tar and flowers. Round, broad and nicely fine-grained, with bright redcurrant and raspberry fruit lifted by a floral element. Offers moderate complexity and finishes with a fine dusting of tannins.” — Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

2004 PARUSSO MARIONDINO $68.04 Pre-Arrival $75.60 at Release
Undoubtedly Parusso's most sensual cru, “Mariondino” in 2004 is plushly layered with suggestions of deep black fruits, dark chocolate and coffee. Notes of clementine dazzle on the nose and palate. The "Mariondino" vineyard faces southwest in Castiglione Falletto; soils here are lighter, a mix of marl and sand, which contributes to the wine's spicy personality. The Wine Advocate says, "The 2004 Barolo Mariondino reveals the essence of tar, roses, violets, plums, prunes, herbs and sweet toasted oak. It is a delicate, pristine Barolo that offers outstanding length and notable harmony. The firmer tannins that are the hallmark of this site are evident, but they are superbly balanced by the wine’s fruit and aromatics. This is a lovely Barolo from Marco Parusso." 92 points

“Good full red. Cool aromas of currant, spices, rose petal and musky dried fruits. Pliant and spicy, with very good energy and cut...boasts excellent precision and a juicy purity of flavor. ” — Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar 

2004 PARUSSO LE COSTE MOSCONI $76.55 Pre-Arrival $85.05 at Release
The perfumes of a freshly cut white peach characterize the nose of this stunningly complex and enticing cru; lively mineral energy runs like a pulsing rhythm throughout. The density and concentration here is midnight-deep and penetrating. “Le Coste-Mosconi” is a blend of two vineyards that sit on the southernmost edge of the Barolo appellation. Noble, older vines (40 to 60 years old) perch on hills that sit at a high altitude (more than 1,200 feet). The Wine Advocate says, " The estate’s 2004 Barolo Le Coste/Mosconi is a big, fat wine loaded with scorched earth, tar, smoke and dark fruit. Made in a powerful, brooding style, this expansive fruit-driven Barolo isn’t the last word on subtlety but it is awfully hard to resist. Parusso owns the vineyards in Le Coste and rents three parcels in Mosconi." 92 points

“Good deep red. Fresh strawberry, mocha, loam, spices, earth and nutty oak on the rich nose, with complicating notes of menthol and dried herbs...intense but tightly wound flavors of raspberry and licorice. Finishes with big, broad tannins and a distinct youthful austerity. ” — Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar 

2004 PARUSSO BUSSIA $80.80 Pre-Arrival $89.78 at Release
Parusso's grand blend, and always an eternal wine with so much to discover. His “Sottana” vineyard gives structure and muscle, “Munie” contributes exotic spices, while “Rocche” gifts concentrated fruit and classic perfume. Dense, almost chewy flavors, with touches of sea salt laced with lavender and licorice lining its juicy, voluminous core. We can't wait to experience this gem in 10, even 20 years from now. The Wine Advocate says, “The 2004 Barolo Bussia is a superb example of Parusso’s philosophy. An array of spices, roasted coffee beans, plums, prunes and toasted oak flavors emerge from this pretty, layered Barolo. As it sits in the glass it gains volume and weight, with attractive mentholated, balsamic notes that add further complexity. Despite its depth and power, the wine remains graceful and light on its feet, showing terrific poise and balance. Sweet notes from the oak frame the long lingering finish.” 93 points

“Good bright full red with a hint of amber at the rim. Musky aromas of small red fruits and dried flowers. Supple, broad and rich, with classically dry but thoroughly ripe red fruit, truffle and earth flavors...Sexy and full without being heavy. Finishes with lush tannins and lingering red fruits. I like the combination of richness and verve.” — Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar 

Giuseppe Rinaldi has a unique way of seeing the world and a presence that makes a lasting impression. An overarching respect for tradition and a fascination with history seem to drive his thoughts and, in turn, his wines. Beppe’s personal history goes back five generations to the late 19th century, when his family and so many others sold the fruit of their vineyards to the Falletti family. The first Rinaldi winery (which is still running today under Luciano Rinaldi) was acquired in 1870 from the Falletti’s estate manager, but in the 1920s Giuseppe Rinaldi, grandfather of the current owner, established his own estate with vineyards in Barolo’s best sites: Cannubi, Brunate, Le Coste, and Ravera. Giuseppe’s son Battista later took over the winery and developed their cellar techniques to boost quality; when he passed away in 1992 his son, also named Giuseppe, left his career as a veterinarian to carry on the family work. 

When discussing Barolo, Beppe can’t help but wax poetic about past generations of local winemakers. Tradition is a constant theme in his thoughts, and he mourns the special connection with the land that he believes has been eradicated by technology. Living more slowly and closer to the land than is possible now begot contemplation and more penetrating observation. The ideas and insights that came to the forefathers of Barolo in this manner forged routines in the vineyard, and cellar work, too, was merely an extension of their communal wisdom.

As a traditional – although certainly not conventional – winemaker, Beppe sees blends as the ultimate expression of Barolo. Every vineyard site, he points out, will have shortcomings, especially in vintages that mesh less well with the character of the land. Past generations loved the creativity and individuality of blends, and even their “cru” labeled wines were often laced with non-cru fruit in order to enhance the still apparent vineyard character. Rinaldi is happiest in the vineyard, close to nature; he will tell you that cellar work is an uncomplicated process that requires no degree or wit, but simply patient attention. His techniques are not precisely calculated, but rather follow tradition and instinct, as with his continued use of large wood vats for fermentation: he muses that stainless steel could be better but finds old wood more pleasurable, and the results are unimpeachable. Each bottle of Barolo is also given more breadth and acidity through a ripasso in which Barbera skins are added to the Nebbiolo must, a practice that Giuseppe explains is (and always has been) common but which is never spoken of today. His Barolos are made for long aging, so much so that his dream is that they should never be ready to drink. 

RINALDI BAROLO BRUNATE LE-COSTE 2004 $116.25 Pre-Arrival,  $131.15 at Release

RINALDI BAROLO CANNUBI SAN LORENZO 2004 $116.25 Pre-Arrival,  $131.15 at Release

RINALDI BAROLO BRUNATE LE-COSTE 2004 1.5L $299 Pre-Arrival,  $275 at Release
ARRIVES JULY 2008 
2004 Barolo Brunate/Le Coste—The 2004 Brunate/Le Coste is a bigger, more structured wine showing the typical balsamic, licorice, spice, and sweet dark fruit notes of Brunate on a full-bodied frame, with great length, balance, and a long finish. A beautiful wine to look forward to.  (91-94)RP  

RINALDI BAROLO CANNUBI SAN LORENZO 2004 1.5L $299 Pre-Arrival,  $275 at Release

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