"Beppe" Rinaldi is one of Piedmont's most iconic producers. Historically his bottles have been hard to find because they are mostly sold to private individuals rather than the trade, meaning that large lots are nearly impossible to come by. These are among the most natural, unmanipulated wines being made anywhere. The rigorously traditional style is alive and well in these cellars. The wines are fermented in an open-top wood vat using natural yeasts. Temperature is not mechanically controlled. The wines see a longish fermentation/maceration and are aged in cask. Although Rinaldi has changed out a few barrels recently, the only concession to anything resembling modernity is an old-fashioned rotary telephone, which seems to genuinely annoy him each time it rings. Yields here have never been particularly low but the trend towards warmer growing seasons has resulted in beautifully ripe and fragrant fruit, particularly in recent years. One of things I admire most about Rinaldi is that he just goes about his business as he always has. He doesn't give a hoot what I, or anyone else thinks about his wines, and that suits him just fine.
Rinaldi's 2004 Barolo Brunate/Le Coste has been special every time I have tasted it over the last few years. Profoundly expressive balsamic aromas jump out of the glass, leading to layers of seductive perfumed dark fruit that continue to unfold as the wine sits in the glass. This is a truly majestic Barolo. It possesses superb weight and density in a finely-textured yet powerful style. The tannins are firm yet incredibly refined. Readers will not want to miss this exceptional wine. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2029.
10% Off For Voters on Election Day*
We will apply a 10% discount to purchases made by customers wearing their "I Voted" stickers on Tuesday, November 4, 2008. Regardless of who you vote for, we will all need a nice glass of wine that evening for sure!
*Rare, limited, cellar-selections excluded |
