• Elio Sandri Barolo Release***SOLD OUT***

    "One of the things visitors will first see upon entering the winery is a table full of bottles opened over the last few days, weeks and months. As I have seen myself, these Barolos are pretty indestructible. If anything, they improve quite a bit with air.

    Sandri is a man of deeply held convictions, but he is also an intuitive winemaker. There are no rules. Except for patience. Sandri gives each wine what he thinks it needs, as readers will see from the accompanying reviews.

    These old-school Barolos are deep, powerful wines that require aeration.

    Tasting them so often feels like stepping back into the past, like looking at a black and white photograph rather than the sleek, perfect images we have become accustomed to today."

    There are only a handful of cases per bottling plus to make things more fun...these are 6 bottle cases.  

    2015 Sandri Perno Barolo - The 2015 Barolo Perno is the sort of wine you want to open and spend many hours with. Initially the tannins are searing, but over time the 2015 starts to come together. Scents of tobacco, cedar, dried cherry, mint and leather open gradually. On the palate, though, the wine is much less forthcoming. The 2015 is a Barolo of beguiling complexity and nuance that will give everything it has to offer on its own time schedule. 94 Points Vinous $71

    2012 Sandri Perno Barolo Riserva - The 2012 Barolo Riserva Perno is the most elegant of the three 2012 Barolos I tasted. Soaring aromatics convey an impression of elegance and nuance that these wines don't always show. Even so, there is plenty of the depth and power that are such signatures of these Barolos. Sweet tobacco, mint, spice, cedar and dried flowers are all laced throughout in this engaging, super-expressive Barolo from Elio Sandri.” 94 Points Vinous $77

    2013 Sandri Perno Barolo RiservaSandri's 2013 Barolo Riserva tastes like the wines my dad used to drink when I was a kid. Rigorous and classically austere, the 2013 is the sort of wine that just isn't made anymore. Today, it is all acid, tannin and brawn, while there is very little fruit. This is a style of Barolo that becomes majestic when the tannins soften and the wine's inner sweetness starts to emerge. That's the good news. The not so good news is that readers have to be patient. For those of you who want to know what Barolo was like decades ago when it was an insiders' wine, before it became coveted like it is now, well, this is it. 97 Points Vinous $77

    ETA for these wines is around the end of October.  If you'd like one of some, please contact me asap: santo@raincitywines.com. 

     

    Santo

     

     

  • 2017 G.D. Vajra & Luigi Baudana Barolo Pre-Sale

    2017 G.D. Vajra & Luigi Baudana Barolo Pre-Sale

     

     

    2017 G.D. Vajra Barolo Pre-Sale

    The Vajra family produced a bevy of stellar wines from both their estates, G.D. Vajra in Barolo and Baudana in Serralunga. The 2017s are deep, fleshy and impeccably balanced.

    "Most of our work in the vineyard is done by June," Aldo Vajra told me. "What vines don't like are sudden changes, so we try to do most of our work early. It's not just the heat that is an issue, but also direct sunlight on the berries. In 2017 we left a little more fruit on the vine in order to maintain freshness and delay harvest as much as possible."

    Antonio Galloni, Vinous “2017 Barolo: Here We Go Again” (Feb. 2021)

     

    G.D. Vajra Barolo “Albe” $40

    Notes: Red berry, rose and camphor aromas waft out of the glass. Tangy and delicious, the smooth, full-bodied palate doles out ripe Marasca cherry, fleshy raspberry and hints of ground baking spice framed in taut, polished tannins. It’s already accessible but also has good midterm aging potential.” 93 Points Wine Enthusiast  84 cases coming in.

    G.D. Vajra Barolo “Coste di Rose $65

    Notes:  Red berry, rose and camphor aromas waft out of the glass. Tangy and delicious, the smooth, full-bodied palate doles out ripe Marasca cherry, fleshy raspberry and hints of ground baking spice framed in taut, polished tannins. It’s already accessible but also has good midterm aging potential.”  96 Points Wine Enthusiast. 23 cases coming in.

    G.D. Vajra Barolo “Ravera” $90

    Notes:  From the township of Novello and from what is now widely recognized as one of the denomination’s top vineyard sites, this is just stunning, offering intense aromas of wild berries, new leather, floral notes, camphor and grilled herb. The delicious, structured palate shows finesse and power, featuring ripe red cherry, blood orange, cedar, licorice and mineral notes suggesting tangy iron. Noble tannins provide support. Reflecting the vintage, this won’t need years to come around but will also age well for at least another decade. 97 Points Wine Enthusiast. 35 cases coming in.

    G.D. Vajra Barolo “Bricco delle Viole” $90

    Notes:  Aromas of underbrush, pine forest, woodland berries and cedar form the enticing nose. Full bodied and savory, the structured palate delivers ripe Morello cherry, raspberry compote, star anise and cinnamon before closing on pipe tobacco notes. Tightly knit but refined tannins provide the backbone, while surprisingly fresh acidity for the hot vintage keeps it balanced.”  96 Points Wine Enthusiasts. 45 cases coming in.

     

    2017 Luigi Baudana Barolo Pre-Sale

    Luigi Baudana Barolo “Serralunga d’Alba” $60

    Notes:  The 2017 Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba may very well turn out to be one of the best wines of the year in its peer group. Dark and wonderfully expressive, yet also light on its feet for a Serralunga Barolo, the 2017 has so much going on. Black cherry, plum, spice, gravel, cured meats, lavender and sage all meld together in this dark yet translucent Barolo.   93 Points Vinous.   10 cases coming in.

    Luigi Baudana Barolo “Baudana” $90

    Notes:  The 2017 Barolo Baudana is such a gorgeous wine. It, too conveys the power of Serralunga, but with a bit less heft than is typically the case. Sweet dark cherry, iron, cedar, rose petal, mint and white pepper give the 2017 its effusive, inviting personality. This is such a tremendous showing.  95 Points Vinous.  10 cases coming in.

    Luigi Baudana Barolo “Cerretta” $90

    Notes:  A dark, somber wine, the 2017 Barolo Cerretta shows the more potent, brooding side of Serralunga. Black cherry, gravel, smoke, cured meats, cloves and menthol add to an impression of virile intensity and pure power. Readers will have to be patient here, but there is certainly a ton to look forward to. This is another impressive showing from Baudana and the Vajra family.  95 Points Vinous.  10 cases coming in.

     

    These wines are due to arrive around July or August.  Please contact me with what you'd like.  At this point I'm just asking for people to give me the quantity of the 2017's you'd like.  Once the wines arrive I'll send you an invoice to be paid. 

     santo@raincitywines.com

     

     

  • GB Burlotto Release Tasting on 3/6

    Tasting starts at 4pm
    It's that time of year folks where we have some G.B. Burlotto fun. These wines comes out twice a year. First we'll get out daily drinking wines (not the Barolo). Then later on in the year we'll get our NOT daily drinking wines (Barolo). Don't ask why they do it this way but this is how its done.

    This historic G.B Burlotto estate, located in the commune of Verduno in the Barolo DOCG, was established by Giovan Battista Burlotto, il Commendatore, in the mid-18th century, during whic time it earned the distinguished titles of “Supplier to the Savoy Royal Household” and “The Only Supplier to the Duke of Abruzzi’s Artic Expedition to the North Pole.” Burlotto distinguished himself by introducing the practice of selling bottled wine bearing his estate’s name (in the manner of French châteaux) at a time when it was customary practice to sell wine in cask. It is speculated that the Savoy court’s regard for the wines of Verduno enabled such formidable innovation, though Burlotto’s wines were lauded on the international scene as well.

    The estate is comprised of 30 acres, 24 of which are situated in the commune of Verduno, the site of the famous Monvigliero cru, which is noted for its wholly southfacing position and soil of white marl. Burlotto’s Monvigliero bottling is the estate’s signature wine; in fact, Burlotto sourced his Nebbiolo almost exclusively from this cru. Of the remaining six acres, 3 1⁄2 are located in Barolo’s famed Cannubi Vineyard (with the other 2 1⁄2 belonging to the Roddi commune). The Cannubi Vineyard enjoyed prestige prior to the production of Barolo and its positioning, in the manner of a Burgundy grand cru, has never been diminished. In fact, it is widely regarded as Barolo’s premier vineyard, yielding fruit that realizes outstanding qualitative consistency. Of particular interest is the fact that the Langhe’s oldest bottling is labeled ‘Cannubi 1752.’ The estate’s other Barolos, Annata, Acclivi, and Neirane, represent multisource bottling.

    The estate remains family-owned and is currently under the direction of Burlotto’s great-niece, Mariana Burlotto, and her husband, Giuseppe Alessandria. While their son, Fabio, has introduced modern techniques, they have served to enhance the qualitative achievement of this estate’s traditionally oriented wines. In addition to the aforementioned Barolos, the winery produces Dolcetto, Barbera, and several wines under the Langhe DOC appellation.
    *please note that there are limited number of bottles but far more than last Saturday's tasting.

    Here are the wines we'll be tasting...

    2018 GB Burlotto Barbera d'Alba $20 (only 12 bottles)
    2018 GB Burlotto 'Aves' Barbera d'Alba $24 (only 6 bottles)
    2018 GB Burlotto Nebbiolo $24 (only 9 bottles)
    2018 GB Burlotto Friesa $22 (only 6 bottles)

    As you can see...this will be an amazing tasting for those of you that have the time to come down. I'm sure the rest of you will be buying cases of water and toilet paper. Really....why the hell is everyone buying water and toilet paper? This virus gives you a cold...not the squirts!!
  • Guido Porro in Bothell

    February 1st at 3pm
    There are a few of you that know I love Barolo in a big way. Now I'm not trying to make a fashion statement and brag about how Barolo is the only wine I'll drink but if I were on an island and I only had two wines to drink for the rest of my life...Champagne & Barolo would be it. That being said, I've been a pretty huge fan of Guido Porro's wines for around 20 years now. Being that they've been making wine for around 120 years now...I think they know what they're doing.

    Needless to say I was only able to grab four of the wines he makes but I might have something sitting in the cellar to show you all how well these wines will age and not just the Barolo!

    Here's how it's gonna go down.

    2017 Guido Porro Dolcetto d'Alba Vigna l'Pari
    2015 Guido Porro Langhe Nebbiolo “Camilu”
    2012 Guido Porro Barolo Gianetto
    2012 Guido Porro Barolo Vigna Santa Caterina
    Plus...a cellared bottle of Barolo
  • Paolo Scavino Tasting!!!

    Saturday the 7th at 4pm
    he 2015 vintage in Barolo is one for the books. Being that we are getting our Pre-ordered Scavino in this Thursday, I figured...let's just have a tasting on Saturday as well. Now that we are into the fall season (even though it doesn't act like it) I think it's time we start to focus on the basics. During the spring time and summer we all run around like chickens with our heads cut off trying to cram as much rosé into our bodies. Time to relax a bit. Rosé is still around and will be all year long since I tend to buy it and hold onto it for the holidays. But...it's Barolo time.

    With the '15 vintage being what it is, I wanted to make sure all of you had a chance to taste a few of the Scavino Barolo's before they are gone and they will be gone soon! Trust me!! All I can say is...if you like them...buy them! Here's what Owen and I will be pouring for you peeps...

    2018 Scavino Bianco Sorriso - A blend of Chardonnay (40%), Sauvignon blanc (40%) and Viognier (20%). Fragrant aromatics, crisp acidity and energizing texture. Perfect for by the glass. Vinification and aging in stainless steel. No malolactic fermentation.

    2018 Scavino Dolcetto d'Alba - A juicy, black cherry—infused red. Vibrant and firm, with hints of chocolate and earth adding depth. Shows fine length and purity.

    2018 Scavino Barbera d'Alba - 100% Barbera from Bricco Manescotto vineyard in the village of La Morra. The high elevation, eastern exposure and well-drained soil of this vineyard enhance the elegant side of this wine. Vinification and aging in stainless steel.

    2015 Scavino Barolo - This Barolo represents the history and tradition of blending different crus of Nebbiolo in order to create a house style. The same care and quality work are employed on this wine as for all of the cru Barolo. Sourced from the top performing plots of 7 single vineyards in the village of Castiglione Falletto (Rocche Moriondino, Vignolo and Pernanno vineyards), Barolo (Albarella, Terlo and Vignane vineyards) and Serralunga d’Alba (San Bernardo vineyard).

    2015 Scavino Barolo Monvigliero - The Grand Cru vineyard of Verduno. First vintage was 2007. Up north in the Barolo region, this vineyard lies in a very special microclimate: warm during the day and cool at night thanks to the fresh air currents from the Tanaro river. Very elegant and focused with nice tension.

    2003 Scavino Barolo Bricco Ambrogio - The most important vineyard in the village of Roddi. The Bricco Ambrogio vineyard sits at 275 meters above sea level and faces south, southeast, with vines planted to soils of marl and limestone. Made for the first time in 2002 and nearly a monopole. Perfumed, generous in its expression and soft texture.
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