Travaglini Gattinara 2010

La Famiglia Travaglini Gattinara

Travaglini Located in the heart of Gattinara, Travaglini was established in the 1920s by Clemente Travaglini. In 1958 Arturo Travaglini followed in his father's footsteps and took over the helm at the winery. The family's passion and commitment to winemaking has not diminished through the generations; Cinzia Travaglini, great-granddaughter of Clemente, manages day-to-day operations at winery. Her husband Massimo Collauto is the chief winemaker, a role he inherited from his late father-in-law and beloved mentor, Giancarlo Travaglini. Throughout the years, Travaglini has established itself in Gattinara as the most esteemed producer of traditional, limited-production wines from the Nebbiolo grape. Travaglini wines illustrate the full range of expressions Nebbiolo can achieve. "Gattinara DOCG" has great structure and longevity, while "Nebbiolo DOC Coste delleSesia" is young, fruity and easy to drink.   The Bottle An exceptional wine deserves an exceptional bottle. It was with that in mind that in 1958, Giancarlo Travaglini set out to create a bottle that was also a work of art. This special bottle, exclusive to Travaglini, was designed to grace the most prestigious tables in the world. The shape of this bottle naturally catches sediment during pouring, allowing the wine to be served directly from bottle to the glass without decanting. The dark-colored glass prevents light from passing through and impacting the quality of the wine. This elegant bottle was perfectly designed for storage and aging in the cellar.

Travaglini Gattinara 2010   The 2010 Gattinara is a firm, classically austere wine with persistent tannins and a slightly compact personality. It will be interesting to see if the 2010 puts on weight in bottle, or if the tannins soften, as today, the wine is very much shut down. Sweet dried cherries, tobacco, crushed herbs and dried flowers add shades of nuance through the middle and finish. I have seen Travaglini wines blossom with age before, although I don't really see that happening here. 90 Points Vinous

Damilano Barolo Cannubi 1752 Riserva 2008

Damilano  Barolo Cannubi "1752" Reserve started with the harvest of 2008, when the family finally achieved its goal to diversify the Cru. "1752" is the result of the passion and the conviction that its vineyard represents the essence of Cannubi. For this reason the idea of "1752" being a Reserve dates back to its harvesting and the company has waited 7 years to open the first bottle. Its story starts with the family's decision to appraise the historic core of the Cannubi vineyard, located in the northern-central part of the hill. It is a small portion, planted with Nebbiolo vines which are 40-50 years old. The thinning is even harsher here and the yield is of only 4 tons. The grapes from these vines are fermented for 20 days and then stay with the peel for 30 more days.  To follow, the wine is left 60 months in a barrel of 50 hl and finishes off by resting 24 more months is a bottle. The result is only 6000 bottles, presented in fine "vintage" packaging, to highlight the culture, the tradition, and the knowledge of a land that the world envies of the Langhe: Cannubi.

Damilano Barolo Cannubi 1752 Riserva 2008   Shows an amazing amount of dried roses, cedar and subtle fruits on the nose. Full body with fine tannins that touch every part of your palate. It's long and wonderful with such polish and finesse. So right now. This is the first year of Damilano Cannubi Riserva. Only 5,000 bottles made. Phenomenal. This is the greatest wine ever from here. Glorious.. 98 Points James Suckling