Elio Grasso, Barolo, Gavarini Chiniera 2006

Grasso’s 2006 Barolo Gavarini Vigna Chiniera is laced with racy, perfumed red fruit, flowers and minerals. The wine gains weight and depth in the glass as its energy and vibrancy take center stage. This is a supremely beautiful Barolo where expressive aromatics, generous fruit and silky tannins come together with unusual grace and elegance. Sweet, floral notes add a sense of lift on the finish. The 2006 is the best Gavarini since the 1989, and who knows if one day it might not match that legendary Barolo. Readers won’t want to miss the sublime 2006 Gavarini Vigna Chiniera. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031.

Good full medium red. Deep, ripe aromas of raspberry, cherry, smoke and minerals. Wonderfully sweet and expressive, with lovely intensity and definition to the flavors of redcurrant, minerals, dried flowers and underbrush. Much more perfumed than the 2005 version, and quite stylish for such a strong wine. Finishes with dense but fine-grained tannins and late notes of mint and menthol. This will live a long time: Grasso suggests laying it down for seven or eight years. Gavarini is Grasso's home vineyard; indeed, the family owns the lion's share of this beautiful amphitheater-like cru.