Guido Porro Barolo "Vigna Santa Caterina" 2004

Very intense nose, like stepping in a meadow with crushed alpine flowers, a touch of crushed chive, grass, cow patty, nettle then liquory fruit that is spicy and complex with a bit of a dried/concentrated note to the wild berry fruit 3+
Big in the mouth with a polished smooth feel, packed with perfectly ripe tannins and excellent acids, faceted and jewel like 3
Dense and slightly chewy with dark fruits/blackberry/wild cherry tones, slightly astringent mineral/earth notes, a slight suggestion of almond bitterness 3+
Tannins are sweet on the finish but really close in quickly read more...constricting the very pure core of red fruits until an abrupt end but even then the tannins seem to squeeze out a little dollop of a finale with bitter cherry fruit edged in slight vegetal/herbal tones, excellent freshness here 3    (hide)

June 2009

This was wonderfully fresh on the nose with heather floral tones and whisps of wild strawberry emerging with some air yet with time the floral elements took control of the aromatics and added a base of cigarette smoke, oily coffee beans and spearmint that was compelling. Polished and broad in the mouth with wonderfully fresh strawberry fruit and elegant notes of anise and herbs, this remains lithe and refreshing in the mouth. Air adds to the power here, introducing a touch of pruniness and the fruit turns darker but retains a seamlessness and purity that is very attractive. A wonderful bottle of Barolo 93pts.

July 2009