Barolo 2012 75cl

A gorgeous red, featuring all the hallmarks of great Barolo, with cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors that show hints of tar and licorice. The beefy tannins are there, but they're not overwhelming, and this glides to a lingering aftertaste of fruit, mineral and savory elements. Best from 2020 through 2038. 200 cases imported. –BS

The 2012 Barolo Falletto is a bit timid to open and needs extra time in the glass (especially when tasted this young). This wine was bottled in March. The wine already shows impressive complexity and depth with drying mineral notes that frame a pretty core of cherry and blackberry fruit. Background notes of light spice and grilled herb complete this pretty picture. What stands out most here, however, is the tight textural fabric of this wine. It is poised for very good aging potential.<br/>Here is a brief roundup of the upcoming bottlings we can expect from Bruno Giacosa. No Barbera d'Alba Falletto is made in 2013 because part of that vineyard was removed, but production of that wine returned 2014. The 2010 vintage was a washout for Bruno Giacosa. Barolo and Barbaresco were not produced. The Barbaresco Riserva Asili (red label) was made in 2011, but not in 2012. The 2012 vintage only saw the production of Barbaresco Asili and 2013 will see a Barbaresco Rabajà. The 2014 vintage brings a slew of wines from Bruno Giacosa. Production in 2014 will include the base Barbaresco, Barbaresco Rabajà and Barbaresco Riserva Asili. The celebrated Barolo Riserva Le Rocche del Falletto (red label) was made in 2008 and will be followed by 2011, 2012 and 2014. That means that the next time we see the red label wine will be in 2017 (with the 2011 vintage). Only the white label was made in 2013. Happily for us, the 2014 vintage will see both the Barbaresco Riserva Asili (red label), and the Barolo Riserva Le Rocche del Falletto (red label). Bruna Giacosa tells me that the outlook looks good for many of the top-shelf wines in 2015, although the final decision will be taken in one year's time.