1999 Elio Altare Barolo Arborina
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I have always adored Elio Altare's 1999s, even if for many years, Altare told me he preferred the 1998s. In my view, the 1999s always had more energy. That is still the case today. A great example of the vintage, the 1999 Barolo Arborina hits the palate with substantial depth. The tannins have begun to soften, revealing layers of crystalline fruit and more than enough freshness to drink well for another decade-plus.
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Daniel Thomases, Wine Advocate
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
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Altare’s 1999 Barolo Arborina is at once a bit more airy yet also more structured than the Barolo. Fresh, vibrant and totally alive in the glass, the 1999 possesses stunning elegance and finesse. The fruit is nuanced, chiseled and all about detail. Sweet floral notes add lift and vibrancy on the elegant, refined finish. The 1999 is remarkable for its contrasts; it is at once powerful yet impeccably elegant.
Dark ruby. Altare's 1999 Barolo is an undeniably appealing wine, with a gorgeous, perfumed nose and rose, red fruit and licorice flavors which play off each other in a delicate expression of La Morra terroir. In keeping with the style of the vintage, this Barolo is still quite youthful and another few years of cellaring are warranted, after which this wine will offer great drinking for at least another decade. There is nothing normal about Altare's Barolo normale….I have tasted virtually every vintage of this wine back to 1982 and seldom been disappointed.
The 1999 Barolo Arborina is from the estate’s home vineyard and is a beauty. Potent and expressive in aroma, with ample notes of tar, anisette, and sweet fruit, it is very solid and long, almost traditional in its firm tannins, but is polished, plush, and graceful as well. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2018. 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