Cavallotto Barolo Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe Riserva 2016

Pre-arrival offer—arrives late August.

98 points, "Collectible," Wine Spectator: "An impressive red, this features a beam of pure cherry and rose, with strawberry, currant, iron and tobacco notes in supporting roles. Firm and dry, with ripeness midpalate, this lingers on the fruit, mineral and underbrush aftertaste. Combines finesse and intensity. Best from 2025 through 2045. 1,500 cases made, 100 cases imported."

98 points The Wine Advocate: "A certified organic wine, the Cavallotto 2016 Barolo Riserva Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe is born in vineyards on a beautiful ridge in Castiglione Falletto with wide views of both the sunrise and the sunset. From this magical site at the heart of the Barolo appellation comes a wine that represents the very best of vintage and territory. Dark fruit, dried cherry, wild plum, rose and iron ore meet a perfect intersection that gives this Barolo a beautiful sense of balance and inner energy. Fruit comes from a 2.4-hectare plot with southwest-facing vines that are 60 years old. After destemming, the grapes see 28 days of skin contact (semi-submerged caps) in steel tanks. Secondary fermentation occurs in cement in the spring following the harvest. The wine is aged in Slavonian oak for 60 months. Production is 8,794 bottles and other larger formats."

2015 vintage notes

97 points Wine Spectator, "Collectible": "Offers nice tension between the supple texture and firm structure, showing cherry, currant and strawberry fruit flavors, with floral, mineral and tree bark accents. Balanced, with plenty of grip for future evolution. Best from 2024 through 2043."

98 points Wine Enthusiast, Cellar Selection: "Aromas of underbrush, camphor, new leather and woodland berries mingle with a whiff of pressed rose petal on this compelling red. Still youthfully austere but already incredibly delicious, it delivers raspberry compote, truffle, tobacco and licorice framed in tightly knit, noble tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced. Another fantastic showing from this wonderful estate."

Only a tad shy, compared to the Vignolo, but still expressively aromatic, delectably succulent, a king of wines. San Giuseppe has rightfully taken its spot among the absolute best of Barolo. Any doubters better put up their dukes. -Marcus

2013 vintage notes

100 points Wine Enthusiast: "A dazzling showing that combines Old School structure with finesse, this stunning red offers sublime aromas of rose, camphor, dark-skinned berry and new leather. Full bodied and delicious, the compelling palate delivers fruit purity and complexity, featuring ripe Marasca cherry, raspberry compote, star anise and tobacco. A backbone of noble tannins and vibrant acidity keeps it impeccably balanced."

99 points Wine Advocate: "The Cavallotto 2013 Barolo Riserva Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe feels magically cool even as the wine warms in the glass. Eucalyptus, menthol and medicinal herbs rise from the bouquet, with dark fruit and savory spice in tow. When you first open the bottle, it shows a distinct mineral character with crushed aspirin, limestone and graphite. I opened a second bottle a few days before this tasting and had both bottles side by side to compare. Both showed impressive results with a pristine level of focus, sharpness and linearity. With aeration, those dark fruit nuances come to the forefront, showing dried cherry, plum and candied orange peel. A few hours later, you pick up on leather, tobacco and cedar wood. This is a fluid and ever-changing wine that is well worth adding to your cellar selection. What a beauty."

96 points Wine Spectator: "A classically proportioned Barolo, featuring cherry, plum, tar, iron and eucalyptus flavors, with floral hints. Dense and tannic, offering balance and a long, mouthwatering finish. Solid tannins are offset by ripe fruit and fresh acidity. Best from 2023 through 2046."

below, the view from the middle of Cavallott's Bricco Boschis.