Saturday 12.8.12 Tasting

Saturday Tasting:  Barolos & Barbarescos 12 to 4pm At the Bar Tomorrow's tasting will feature Barolos and Barbarescos from two producers in Piedmont, Italy, Moccagatta and Luigi Piri. Robert Parker has hailed both labels as producing some of the best wines in Piedmont. Robert Parker on Luigi Piri: "This is an impressive set of wines from Giampaolo Pira. The wines aren't as massive as they sometimes are, but that is just fine. I also noted that the use of oak was much more polished than in some recent vintages." Robert Parker on Moccagatta: "This is one of the strongest sets of wines I can remember from Moccagatta. The entry-level offerings are absolutely delicious and reasonably priced. The Barbareschi are elegant and polished, with less overt oakiness than was once common. Moccaggatta's 2008s are among the best Barbareschi in what has proven to be a highly irregular vintage. Simply put, I can't say enough good things about these wines."

2005 Moccagatta "Bric Balin" Barbaresco On Sale $49.99 The 2005 Barbaresco Bric Balin is a wine of notable freshness and overall harmony. Sweet red cherries, menthol and spices emerge from this beautifully-balanced, feminine Barbaresco. The oak is particularly well-integrated in this vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021. 92 Points The Wine Advocate 2008 Moccagatta "Bric Balin" Barbaresco On Sale $49.99 The 2008 Barbaresco Bric Balin wafts from the glass with crushed flowers, dried cherries, tobacco and cedar. It is less overt than the Basarin, with the structural components playing a greater role in the wine's balance. The energy and focus here are both attractive, while the oak seems to have come down, all of which adds up to a wine with terrific overall balance. The Bric Balin can be enjoyed with minimum cellaring, but it will require some air for the fruit to flesh out. It is a fine effort from the Minuto brothers. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020. 94 Points The Wine Advocate 2008 Moccagatta "Basarin" Barbaresco On Sale $49.99 The 2008 Barbaresco Basarin is impeccable from start to finish. Sweet rose petals, dark cherries, spices and mocha are some of the notes that emerge from the Basarin. Constantly changing in the glass, the Basarin is at first quite rich in its fruit, but then turns quite a bit more elegant and ethereal with time in the glass. In 2008 the Basarin impresses for its superb overall harmony and balance. This is a fabulous showing from Moccagatta's entry-level Barbaresco. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2020. 92 Points The Wine Advocate 2008 Luigi Pira "Marenca" Barolo On Sale $64.99 The 2008 Barolo Vigna Marenca boasts a center of bright red berries that is surprisingly supple and elegant. Sweet red cherries, freshly cut flowers, spices and mint take shape in the glass as the 2008 shows off a refined, high-toned register that is rarely found in this wine. The 2008 boasts striking inner perfume and a long, chalky yet seamless finish that is the essence of harmony. A hint of dried roses and sweet cherries linger in the empty glass. This is another dazzling showing. The Marenca was aged in a combination of cask and tonneaux. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028. 95 Points The Wine Advocate 2008 Luigi Pira "Margheria" Barolo On Sale $49.99 Pira's 2008 Barolo Vigna Margheria has developed very nicely since I first tasted it in November, 2011. The typical power and weight of this site comes through, but in 2008 the Margheria has an extra dimension of sexiness that makes it highly appealing. Dark cherries, plums, asphalt, melted road tar, dried rose petals and licorice are some of the many notes that come to life in the glass. The weight and tannic finish is pure Margheria, even if the 2008 isn't quite the bruiser it often is. Pira aged the Margheria in 20-hectoliter casks. This is a terrific showing. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026. 93 Points The Wine Advocate 2008 Luigi Pira "Vigna Rionda" Barolo On Sale $89.99 The 2008 Barolo Vigna Rionda possesses striking inner perfume and sweetness as it wraps around the palate. Raspberries, hard candy, flowers, mint and sweet spices are some of the many notes that flow from this effortless, sensual Barolo. Silky tannins are present, but they are nearly covered by the pure sensuality of the fruit. Today the Rionda is supple, sweet and totally inviting. The finish is intense and totally haunting. This is an exceptional, hugely promising Barolo from Giampaolo Pira. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2028. 95 Points The Wine Advocate