Giuseppe Rinaldi 'Brunate' Barolo 2017

A true legend in the commune of Barolo, Beppe Rinaldi was the last of the “Last of the Mohicans” – the others were Bartolo Mascarello and Teobaldo Cappellano – who resisted modern trends. Sadly, he died in 2018 at a still young 69, and the estate is now run by his daughters Marta and Carlotta (the wine-maker and farmer, respectively), who are extremely worthy successors. 

The 2017 Barolo Brunate is a dark, powerful wine. A huge swath of tannins gives the Brunate its feeling of gravitas. Readers will have to be patient with the 2017, as it is going to need a number of years to come together. Dark cherry fruit, lavender, sage, licorice, spice and earthy notes build into a crescendo of aromas and flavors that is just captivating. The 2017 finishes with tremendous substance and intensity, both of which bode so well for the future.

- Antonio Galloni, Vinous 95pts