Barolo Brunate, Giuseppe Rinaldi 2010

A wine of mind-blowing complexity, Rinaldi’s 2010 Barolo Brunate is everything Barolo can be—powerful, refined, seductive, intensely aromatic, structured and so incredibly beautiful that words seem inadequate. It opens with soaring notes of rose petal, iron, coffee, mint, white pepper, melted road tar, spice and orange peel. Youthfully tannic and structured, the 2010 has softened a bit since its very early days, but it remains quite young. The obvious question is: Is it ready? Yes and no. Readers who have a bottle or two may want to wait another five years or so. Those fortunate enough to own a little more may want to dip into their stash. One thing is certain: Beppe Rinaldi’s 2010 Barolo is an absolute masterpiece, a testament to a brilliant career.