1994 Barolo Vigneto Arborina
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Tasting notes
The 1994 Barolo Vigneto Arborina is one of the most refined wines in this tasting. Silky, soft and impeccably finessed on the palate, the 1994 impresses for its overall balance and pure class. A weightless and gracious wine, the 1994 Barolo Arborina is simply stunning. This is the first vintage Altare made using rotary fermenters. The 1994 Barolo Arborina saw just 40 hours on the skins, which was unheard of at the time (or even today) and caused a major commotion throughout Piedmont. Although I hate making comparisons to other regions, there is no denying this is an unusually Burgundian Barolo. The 1994 is simply magnificent. Considering the overall weakness of the year, the 1994 is a real stunner. And it held up quite perfectly.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
This wine reveals Musigny-like complexity and finesse. The deep ruby color exhibits amber at the edge, suggesting it is on a fast evolutionary track. The fragrant bouquet offers exceptionally sweet aromas of toasty new oak, ripe black raspberry and cherry fruit, flowers, licorice, and spice. The wine is layered, full-bodied, and gorgeously rich, but it manages to avoid any notion of heaviness. Expansive and layered, with compelling richness and length, this is Barolo at its sexiest and most intellectually satisfying. However, it needs to be drunk quickly ... over the next 4-6 years. 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