1999 Barolo Cannubi
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Tasting notes
The 1999 Barolo nei Cannubi is dark, huge and virtually impenetrable, all likely the result of shocks from too much new oak. Plums, black cherries, menthol and licorice all flesh out in the glass, but the oxidative overtones and hard tannins are impossible to miss. Overall, the 1999 lacks the balance of the best wines here. The 1999 spent 12 months in French oak, 60% new and finished its aging in cask.
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Much greyer ruby. Delicate complex fragrance. All the classic notes of roses and tea and a hint of something more savoury that could be tar or liquorice. Just a touch of undergrowth. Gentle and silky and really sweet tannins. Lively and silky and long. Warm vintage. Full flavoured and rich in a Nebbiolo elegant framework. (JH)
I have had some doubts in the past about the very oaky version of Cannubi served up by the house, but could not be more pleased by 1999 Barolo Cannubi, where good sense seems to have dictated a more discrete use of the barrels. The spicy nose simply adds complexity to the very present floral and licorice aromas, and the sweet and round flavors are similarly varied, with chocolate and tar mingled with the mint, black cherry, and red currant notes. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2020. Einaudi was founded by one of Italy’s major twentieth century statesmen, a highly considered economist by training and later president of the Italian republic. The wines, well made and characterful, deserve to be better known. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900
Medium ruby. Highly aromatic nose combines strawberry, dark chocolate, underbrush and minerals. Rich, supple and powerfully built, with a youthful spine of acidity contributing to the wine's firm structure. Concentrated and strong in extract. A serious wine, with excellent clarity and grip. Firm tannins are supported by the wine's strong material. The Costa Grimaldi bottling comes across as dry by comparison.