2008 Giuseppe Rinaldi Barolo Cannubi San Lorenzo/Ravera
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Tasting notes
Our first flight showcases two fabulous 2008 Barolos, wines from a vintage that continues to impress. The Barolo Brunate (formerly Brunate-Le Coste) gets most of the attention at Rinaldi. I am curious to see how the Cannubi S. Lorenzo-Ravera is holding up. The answer is very well. Bright, linear and focused, in the style of the year, the Cannubi S. Lorenzo-Ravera is fabulous. It is perhaps a bit more austere than its sibling, but that just adds to its super-classic feel. I love the energy here.
Critic scores
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Mid cherry red. More evolved nose than the Brunate Le Coste 2008 and altogether bigger,burlier and more concentrated. Strongly sweet, spicy nose with very firm tannins on the mid palate. Very clean although the aromas are of roasted red fruits. Very brisk and cleansing. Jewel bright fruit. Hint of paprika on the finish. (JR)
The 2008 Barolo Cannubi/S. Lorenzo-Ravera impresses for its gorgeous, perfumed fruit and totally sublime personality. The 2008 doesn't appear to have shut down post-bottling yet, which is surprising, so the wine is quite open for now, although I expect it will clamp down. Sweet floral notes, hard candy and tobacco are supported by ripe, silky tannins on the super-refined finish.
The 2008 Barolo Cannubi/S. Lorenzo-Ravera impresses for its gorgeous, perfumed fruit and totally sublime personality. The 2008 doesn't appear to have shut down post-bottling yet, which is surprising, so the wine is quite open for now, although I expect it will clamp down. Sweet floral notes, hard candy and tobacco are supported by ripe, silky tannins on the super-refined finish. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2038. I remember the first time I visited Giuseppe Rinaldi, about ten years ago. Buying the wines was no problem, even going back a few vintages. Today, the world has caught on and the wines seem to literally evaporate from the market. Barolo lovers recognize this small family-run estate embodies all of the qualities of the traditional school in Barolo. One of the developments of the last few years is that the Barolo Cannubi/S. Lorenzo-Ravera is much closer in quality to the Brunate-Le Coste, although in terms of their personalities, the wines remain naturally quite different. Other than that, not that much has changed. The most modern addition to the cellar is a telephone - rotary, of course. Rinaldi's 2008s are just as beautiful from bottle as they were when I tasted them from barrel last fall. Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907
About the producer
Giuseppe Rinaldi is one of the most famous names in Piedmont, revered for producing staunchly traditional, highly collectable Nebbiolo wines.