James Suckling – September 25, 2018
In “Piedmont 2014 and 2015 New Releases Are More ‘Good News,’” James Suckling writes about the more than 1,100 wines he and his son Jack tasted from Piedmont, and that both were “impressed with the quality of the 2014 Barolos we tasted despite the difficulty of the growing season, and more still of these better-than-expected bottles featured in this report.” He includes GIUSEPPE CORTESE Barbaresco Rabajà among the 2015 Barbarescos they found “compelling,” and also mentions CERETTO Barolo Cannubi San Lorenzo 2008 as a favorite. Reviewed in this report:
CERETTO Barolo Cannubi San Lorenzo 2008 – 99 points
“Glorious aromas of rose petals, fruit tea, dried strawberries and tree bark follow through to a full body with firm and velvety tannins. Yet, it’s always in check. Succulent and very, very long finish. A rich, polished and reserved, late release. Drink now or hold.”
CERETTO Barbaresco DOCG 2015 – 93 points
“Aromas of plums, oranges and cedar follow through to a full body with soft and velvety tannins. A juicy and luscious finish. Made from organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”
CERETTO Barbaresco DOCG Asili 2014 – 93 points
“This Barbaresco shows so much complexity with ash, dried rose stems, fruit tea and citrus. Full body, grippy tannins, loads of pure red fruit and a long finish. Drink in 2021.”
CERETTO Langhe DOC Rosso Monsordo 2015 – 93 points
“A firm and silky wine with a beautiful berry and blackberry character and hints of smoke and green tea following through to a full body. Firm tannins and a fresh finish. Made from organically grown grapes. Drink now or hold.”
CERETTO Barolo DOCG Prapò 2014 – 92 points
“A pretty Barolo that shows plenty of sour cherries, tea leaves, tobacco and cedar. The palate is quite edgy with bright acidity, but the savory tannins do well to coat the mouth. This finishes medium-long and delicious. Drink-me-now style.”
CERETTO Barbaresco DOCG Bernardot 2014 – 91 points
“Aromas of smoke, dried fruit and fruit tea follow through to a full body. A medium mid-palate and a flavorful finish. Shows the difficult of the vintage, but it delivers excellent quality. Drink now.”
CERETTO Barolo DOCG 2014 – 91 points
“Really attractive dried fruit on the nose of this Barolo, including dried red cherries and dried hibiscus as well as five spices, dried rose petals, wet earth and tea leaves. Medium body, polished tannins and a delicate mouthfeel enhanced by linear acidity. A taut finish. Drink now or hold.”
CERETTO Langhe DOC Arneis Blangè 2017 – 89 points
“Subtle aromas of rose petals and white flowers with a hint of cinnamon. Medium body, polished texture and a finish that delivers a slightly sweet impression. Drink now.”
BOROLI Villero Barolo DOCG 2013 – 96 points
“Wicked complexity and richness with aromas and flavors of dried strawberries and spices. Full-bodied, layered and polished with brightness and a wonderful chewy undertone. Just a hint of vanilla underneath. Drink or hold.”
BOROLI Barolo DOCG 2014 – 93 points
“Exotic and ripe red with terra cotta, ripe strawberry, rose petal and sandalwood. Full body, round and firm tannins and a flavorful finish. Fantastic 2014. Drink or hold.”
BOROLI Cerequio Barolo DOCG 2014 – 93 points
“Wild aromas of dried fruit, fresh herbs, rosebushes and thyme. Medium body and soft, silky tannins. A delicious finish. So good right now. Drink now.”
BOROLI Villero Barolo DOCG 2014 – 93 points
“Aromas of cedar with flowers and dried strawberries following through to medium body. Fine tannins and a fresh, solid finish. Balanced and bright. Drink now.”
BOROLI Brunella Barolo DOCG 2014 – 92 points
“A silky and very polished Barolo with cedar and floral character, as well as plenty of strawberries. Medium body and ultra-fine tannins. Refined and very pretty. A beauty now. Drink now.”
GIUSEPPE CORTESE Barbaresco Rabajà Riserva DOCG 2011 – 96 points
“What a nose of dried citrus, tangerines, blood oranges, incense, tobacco, cloves, lavender and cedar. Full body, uber-polished tannins and a long, spicy yet taut finish. The complexity and balance take you on a long journey here. Be prepared! Drink in 2023.”
GIUSEPPE CORTESE Barbaresco Rabajà DOCG 2015 – 95 points
“Wow. What a nose of pure blueberries, rose petals, lavender, crushed minerals, elderflower and so much vivid orange and candied citrus peel. Full body, electric acidity, firm and wonderfully polished tannins and a long, mineral finish. Drink in 2021.”
— James Suckling, Sep 2018
Acclaim
