1996 Elio Altare Barolo Brunate
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Tasting notes
Altare's 1996 Barolo Brunate is just starting to have the first signs of tertiary aromatic development, although it retains a good bit of freshness as well. The Brunate is marked by its vertical sense of structure and tannic heft, but those elements are nicely balanced. Rose petal, lavender, leather and a host of darker fruit overtones all develop in a super-expressive Barolo that captures the truest essence of this great site.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 1996 Barolo Brunate is the proverbial "iron fist in a velvet glove." It possesses a dark ruby color, closed personality, powerful, muscular flavors of cherries, incense, smoke, and dried herbs, and a tannic finish. Cellar it for 4-5 years and enjoy it over the following two decades. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411
Good full red. Cool, perfumed aromas of raspberry, mint, licorice and flowers. Very aromatic in the mouth yet tightly wound, with its texture currently suppressed by elevated acidity. But already shows terrific verve and lift. Here the tannins are tougher, as there less supporting density. But the finish exudes a compelling floral, minty perfume.