Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo Monfalletto 2010

Date of Tasting: 18 December 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Nebbiolo

Alcohol: 14%

Origin: La Morra, Italy

Appellation: Barolo DOCG

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR45

Web: http://www.corderodimontezemolo.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 92/100
Critics' Opinion: WE - 94/100, JS - 93/100, WA - 93/100, AG - 92/100, WS - 92/100, ST - 90/100, JR - 16.5/20, CT - 92/100

Appearance: Garnet.

Aroma: Rose petal, balsamic, herbs, berries, a bit of smoke and oak essences.

Palate: Full and rich. Cherry and red berries. Mild vanilla and cocoa. Smooth and structured with nice acidity. Well balanced.

Opulent bottle of Barolo that is ready for drinking since its early stage. Matured in various size of barrels. Not exactly modern nor traditional. I wouldn't say it is elegant but would be happy to consume this wine regularly. Nice work.

Andrea Oberto Barolo Vigneto Albarella 2007

Date of Tasting: 1 July 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Nebbiolo

Alcohol: 15%

Origin: Piedmont, Italy

Appellation: Barolo DOCG

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR60

Web: http://www.andreaoberto.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 93/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 93/100, AG - 92/100, JS - 94/100, ST - 91/100, JR - 17/20

Appearance: Orangery garnet.

Aroma: Floral floor, cherries, mocha and oak.

Palate: Deep and powerful in style. Solid structure with layers of fruits. Mouth-coating tannins. Long and lingering.

Beauty of aroma for this modern style of Barolo. Opulent character. Oak and tannins can be overwhelming at this stage. Decanting is needed, I would say. Otherwise, let it sleep for a while. Though it is modern with ageing of 24 months in all new barriques, it did express attractive aroma. Salute!!!

Elvio Cogno Barolo DOCG Bricco Pernice 2007

Date of Tasting: 14 May 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Nebbiolo

Alcohol: 14.5%

Origin: Piedmont, Italy

Appellation: Barolo DOCG

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR60

Web: http://www.elviocogno.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 93/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 93/100, AG - 93/100, JS - 95/100, WS - 90/100, WE - 94/100, FS - 94/100, CT - 91/100

Appearance: Bright garnet.

Aroma: Perfume of red berries, tea, tar, spices, flowers.

Palate: Round tannins. Medium-full on the palate. Depth of rich raspberry note. Lively acidity. 

Dry on the palate as in typical Barolo but gorgeous fruits still. It is pretty much accessible now, however, it should be able to age more. I would say it is about sniffing for this one. It is a fine pleasure just to sniff bouquet of this wine.

Conterno Fantino Barolo Mosconi 2008

Date of Tasting: 23 March 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Nebbiolo

Alcohol: 15%

Origin: Piedmont, Italy

Appellation: Barolo DOCG

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR60

Web: http://www.conternofantino.it/
Chubby Appreciation: 93/100
Professional Rating: WA - 94/100, AG - 94/100, WS - 95/100, FS - 94/100, JS - 93/100, ST - 93/100, CT - 92/100

Appearance: Rich garnet

Aroma: Cherry, raspberry, earth, mushroom

Palate: Rich and full with dense tannins. Expression of sweet and sour raspberry and red fruits. Dry and powerful. Outgoing characters. Fine length on the finish.

It starts to reveal its characters and is accessible. However, still somewhat reduction on the nose. Give it a little bit more time to sleep and it should be more fantastic. This is not the elegant and sleek kind of Barolo but more on the energy and power type. Modern kind, it is, but lovely. Salute!!!

Elvio Cogno Barolo Ravera 2010

Date of Tasting: 4 March 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Nebbiolo

Alcohol: 14.5%

Origin: Piedmont, Italy

Appellation: Barolo DOCG

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR50

Web: http://www.elviocogno.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 92/100
Professional Rating: WA - 93/100, AG - 95/100, JS - 93/100, WS - 94/100, BH - 95/100, JR - 17.5/20, CT - 93/100

Appearance: Dark garnet

Aroma: Fragrance of dark cherry, tar, rose, earth, and spices

Palate: Fine and muscular tannins. Powerful and kind of dense. Deep and juicy fruits with juiciness. Playful acidity.

Quality terrior and production technique from gorgeous vintage without doubt, this is. The herbal and floral notes are extremely attractive. Though it is a kind for ageing, it is difficult also to keep hands off now. Cellaring for a few years should be interesting. Looking forward to next tasting in a few years: sniffing in particular. Grazia!!!!!

Cavallotto Barolo Riserva Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe 2004

Date of Tasting: 28 March 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Nebbiolo

Alcohol: 14.5%

Origin: Piedmont, Italy

Appellation: Barolo DOCG

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR100

Web: http://www.cavallotto.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 93/100
Professional Rating: WA - 96/100, AG - 94/100, WS - 94/100, FS - 94/100, WE - 92/100, ST - 94/100, JR - 17.5/20, CT - 91/100

Appearance: Sparkling brick red

Aroma: Fragrant of cherry, smoke, tar, spices, and mild rose petal and balsamic

Palate: Fine grains of tannins with medium-full texture. Solid gripping. Muscular but filled in elegance. Spicy notes with sweet-n-sour cherry flavour. Long and exciting finish.

What a dramatic personality this bottle has. I drank this over 2 nights. On the first night, it was firm and tough with earthiness dominant the overall picture. Then it showed more fruits and silkiness on the following night. There is so much to reveal from this bottle of Barolo. Though at the point of tasting, it was already 10 years old, it's still at the early stage of drinking period really. I presume that a few more years of bottle ageing and this gem would reveal its true value. Another piece of art this is. Cheers Cavallotto to it.

Cavallotto Tenuta Bricco Boschis Barolo Riserva Vignolo 2005

Date of Tasting: 20 January 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Nebbiolo

Alcohol: 14.5%

Origin: Piedmont, Italy

Appellation: Barolo Riserva DOCG

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR80

Web: http://www.cavallotto.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 93/100
Professional Rating: WA - 95/100, AG - 95/100, WS - 90/100, WE - 91/100, FS - 92/100, ST - 93/100, JR - 17/20, CT - 95/100

Appearance: Garnet

Aroma: Red fruits, spices, licorice, earth, tobacco, mild mushroom, and rose.

Palate: Big and dense body. Masculine tannins but soft touch. Still well structured with elegance. Notes of cherries and prune. Vibrant finish.

An outstanding Castiglione Falletto Barolo from Cavallotto in an overlooked vintage it is. We had this along with Philippe Pacalet Beaune 1er Cru Les Perrieres 2010 and both were hard to beat each other. Two different great regions that showed well in particular, aroma. Cavallotto Barolo Riserva Vignolo 2005 may be more masculine but still rather feminine in overall. Perhaps a few hours of decant before serving will reveal its complexity better. Love it and cheers Cavallotto. Surely, a plate of steak with shaved truffle would go supremely well with it. Looking forward to the next bottle.

Bartolo Mascarello Barolo 2008

Date of Tasting: 22 December 2014

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Nebbiolo

Alcohol: 14.5%

Origin: Piedmont, Italy

Appellation: Barolo DOCG

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR100

Web: n.a.
Chubby Appreciation: 95/100
Professional Rating: WA - 96/100, AG - 98/100, WS - 92/100, JS - 95/100, FS - 96/100, ST - 93/100, JR - 16/20, CT - 94/100

Appearance: brick red

Aroma: cherry, peppermint, mushroom, and rose petals

Palate: Polishing texture of fine tannins. Juicy and silky with packed sweet red fruits. Balance in overall. Fine acidity. Classic medium body.

Stunning, it was. The first thing came up in my mind was how difficult it would be for me to keep my hand off the remaining bottles. It is drinking beautifully now with some air. But would be surely nice to see how it develops towards the end of this decade. Such an elegant and finesse bottle. A true masterpiece by Maria-Teresa Mascarello.

Ristorante al Castello di Alessandro Boglione @ Grinzane Cavour, Cuneo, Italy

Cuisine: Italian

Map: Ristorante al Castello di Alessandro Boglione @ Grinzane Cavour, Cuneo, Italy

Price: EUR40 per person (what we paid for)

Visited: 9 October 2014

Food: 8/10

Atmosphere: 7/10

Value for money: 8/10

Services: 8/10
Scale: [1=poor ---- 5=average/standard ---- 10=outstanding/exceptional]

Here is another restaurant in Piedmont with prestigious tag of a Michelin Star, Ristorante al Castello di Alessandro Boglione at Grinzane Cavour. The special thing about this restaurant is it is located right in the Castello di Grinzane Cavour. I personally like this place a lot. The price tag is not ridiculously high. Staffs are nice and helpful. The ambient is unique but cosy: love the comfortable feeling and non crowded tables.

The place, which is currently headed by Alessandro Boglione, serves one of the very best Piedmontese cuisine in the region. Like its menu, the wine list is as well interesting. It comprises mainly with the recent vintages of selection in the area and they are priced at the modest level. I would really say that this is a really fabulous restaurant in the region and would urge those who are visiting Piedmont to give it a visit. Please be ware that as of now November 2014, there is news that the restaurant and the owner of the property might not be able mutually agree of the rent terms and the restaurant might longer not existing from 2015. It would be a real shame from my view if the restaurant is forced to leave as it would not be able to afford rental cost. So check the place well before visiting to avoid disappointment.

walking path to the castle

view for the castle at night

view with vineyard by the castle

castle restaurant ambient

the wine shop in the castle

As usual amuse bouche was firstly served to greet guests and it was salted cheese with potato cream, which was delicious, for this case. Sadly, I lost the note of Ristorante al Castello (T_T)" but will try to put things from my memory. I had asked for wine by glass to go along with the meal and a glass of Langhe Nebbiolo and a glass of Barolo were recommended. Cascina Morassino Langhe Nebbiolo 2011 (89 pts) was the lighter of the two. It was elegant in style with red cherry and acidic balsamic notes. Fine and medium body but still present strong tannins. The second one was Gabutti Boasso Barolo Gabutti 2009 (91 pts). This was the one with class and power. Rose on the nose. Bigger body than the previous one. Rather ready to be accessed at youth. Oak and balance acidity with raspberry were there.

Salted Cheese with Potato Cream

Cascina Morassino Nebbiolo DOC 2011

Gabutti Boasso Barolo Gabutti DOCG 2009

For our first plates, we had Quail Two Ways: Black Truffle and Red Cabbage with Anchovies (7/10) and Sauteed Salted Codfish Cake, Soft Potato Puree, and Lavazza Coffee Powder (9/10). For the quail, I can hardly recall how it was. All I remember is it was nice but not great. The cabbage was kind of similar to sauerkraut. But the sauteed salted codfish cake ravioli thing was superb. Fabulous texture of al dente of the pasta balanced well with soft touch filling. The potato puree was as well smooth and delicious. Another dimension was from the coffee power. Really like this dish.

Quail Two Ways: Black Truffle and Red Cabbage with Anchovies (EUR14)

Sauteed Salted Codfish Cake, Soft Potato Puree, and Lavazza Coffee Powder (EUR15)

Next, it was Mezze Maniche Wheat Pasta with Mussels and Burrata Cheese (9/10). This was another wonderful pasta dish from Alessandro Boglione. The perfectly cooked mezze maniche were filled with yummy creamy burrata and flavourful fresh mussels. A touch of tomato based sauce complimented well with the dish. Pasta dishes here are really delicious. Wish I could have a chance to go back there (fingers crossed). Lastly, it was Tender Veal with Cream of Jerusalem Artichoke, Anchovies, and Black Truffle (7/10). This was a nice and classic. Really tender veal with jus and black truffles. Pairing with barolo and it was yum.

It would be really pity if Ristorante al Castello would not longer exist from 2015. This is definitely a place with nice food and at a unique location. It would be hard to find a valuable and reasonable priced restaurant with star tagged elsewhere.

Mezze Maniche Wheat Pasta with Mussels and Burrata Cheese (EUR15)

Tender Veal with Cream of Jerusalem Artichoke, Anchovies, and Black Truffle (EUR20)

Ristorante al Castello di Alessandro Boglione @ Grinzane Cavour, Cuneo, Italy
5 Via Castello
Grinzane Cavour 12060
Cuneo
Italy

Open Hours: daily except Tuesday from 07:30pm for dinner

Tel: +39 0173 262 172
Web: http://www.castellodigrinzane.it/

Pio Cesare Barolo Ornato 2009

Date of Tasting: 9 October 2014

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Nebbiolo

Alcohol: 14.5%

Origin: Piedmont, Italy

Appellation: Barolo DOCG

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR90

Web: http://www.piocesare.it/
Chubby Appreciation: 95/100
Professional Rating: WA - 93/100, AG - 92/100, WS - 92/100, JS - 96/100, ST - 92/100, JR - 17/20, CT - 91/100

Appearance: bright and dark red

Aroma: white truffle, cherry, menthol and spices, floral hint

Palate: Rather full and thick body but silky texture with smooth integrated tannins. Soft and fine mouth feel. Sweet and ripe plum and red cherry. A touch of oak. Long finish.

Modern style Barolo with dark and structured framework. An opulent and expressive wine it is. However, the oaky mouth-feel could be a little overwhelming. The primary aroma of truffle was beautiful. I had this along with risotto cooked with Barolo at Le Torri in Cuneo and they went along each other beautifully. This is pretty much ready at this age and should be enjoyable for a decade to go. If you like concentrated and full Barolo, here is a choice for you. Sante!!!!

Elvio Cogno Barolo Cascina Nuova 2010

Date of Tasting: 26 October 2014

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Nebbiolo

Alcohol: 14.5%

Origin: Piedmont, Italy

Appellation: DOCG

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR40

Web: http://www.elviocogno.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 91/100
Professional Rating: WA - 92/100, AG - 93/100, WS - 94/100, JS - 93/100, JR - 17/20, CT - 91/100

Appearance: bright garnet

Aroma: elevated red cherries with refreshing herbs, mushroom, and mild flowers

Palate: Medium bodied texture with some fine grained particles but silkily smooth. Sour and concentrated cherry as the primary taste. Cool mint and spiced notes. Long on the finish.

Another interesting Barolo from an interesting vintage of 2010. This is a production of elegance and pleasure. At this stage, the sour taste of cherry seems to dominate and there were some fine particles, though nose perfume is already awesome. Perhaps a few years in bottle to soften down and balancing would do it better. I had this with Chinese food and they seemed to play their roles nicely. Surely, meaty dishes and game should be awesome too. Looking forward to the next bottle (perhaps 2018). Cheers!!!!!

Ristorante Le Torri @ Castiglione Falletto, Cuneo, Italy

Cuisine: Italian

Map: Ristorante Le Torri @ Castiglione Falletto, Cuneo, Italy

Price: EUR37 per person (what we paid for)

Visited: 9 October 2014

Food: 7/10

Atmosphere: 8/10

Value for money: 7/10

Services: 7/10
Scale: [1=poor ---- 5=average/standard ---- 10=outstanding/exceptional]

Here is the first review during the 2014 Italy trip where we had an opportunity to try and experience some restaurants in Piedmont, Aosta, and Lombardy areas. Ristorante Le Torri was the first restaurant we tried in Piedmont after a long drive from Aosta. It is located in Castiglione Falletto area at the top of the hill with neighbouring of Vietti, which is a splendid wine producer in Piedmont.

The place and surrounding of Ristorante Le Torri are just brilliant. Beautiful and relax ambient. Simple but elegant decoration. Wonderful view of landscape as well. Staffs were lovely and friendly. They were so helpful. At the first glance, without having tasted anything, we were already thinking that this is going to be a good meal.

Ristorante Le Torri @ Castiglione Falletto, Cuneo, Italy

relax and spacious ambient

If you are one lover of Piedmont wine, Le Torri also offers a rather good range and at friendly price (somewhat 300 labels in the cellar). For menu range, it is categorised in the usual Italian way of antipasti, primi piatti, secondi piatti, and lastly dolci (if you are not still full by then). Each course comprises around 7 to 8 choices of classic Piedmont menu. During the visit, which was at the beginning of October, it was a fortunate event that it happened to be the season for white truffle. Le Torri, without fail, also served truffle menu which was marked with higher price from the ordinary menu (around EUR20+ per dish). Well, we could not really miss the opportunity to try, right?

wine cellar

truffle menu

bread basket

Ardoino olive oil

For us, we had the opportunity to try antipasti and first course only and could not go further than that really (was so full by then). For appetisers, we had Veal Tartare with Black Truffle (7/10) and Small Carrots Pie with Anchovies Sauce (7/10). Both were fine and splendid. Veal tartare was naturally tender and of course went pretty nicely with shaved black truffle. A touch of salt (himalayan if not mistaken) flakes complimented the dish well. The carrot pie is, on the other hand, something new to us. We were reluctant to order but did not regret at all. It turned out to be so smooth and creamy but not over powering. Really like the dish.

amuse bouche of tomato salad

Veal Tartare with Black Truffle (EUR10)

Small Carrots Pie with Anchovies Sauce (EUR9)

As for the mains, we had Carnaroli Risotto with Barolo Wine (7/10) and Tajarin with White Truffle (8/10). I love the risotto here. It looked so plain and simple but packed with flavours. Such a combination of barolo and cheese. The texture was as well tremendous. I love the bit of al dente in risotto as much as in pasta. For Tajarin with White Truffle, needless to say that this is a classic dish created by god for humanity. Just simply egg noodles on topped with white truffle, and that's it. The magic started to show its performance. The white truffle might be of the best quality but enough to make us happy with its perfume and aroma.

Carnaroli Risotto with Barolo Wine (EUR10)

Tajarin with White Truffle (EUR25)

white truffle

During the course, I did have Cavallotto Barbera d'Alba Vigna del Cuculo 2011 (91/100) and Pio Cesare Barolo Ornato 2009 (94/100) to accompany the dishes. The Cavallotto performed beautifully with red fruits aroma and palate. The high acidity that usually found in barbera was well balanced and lingering. On the other hand, Pio Cesare Ornato 2009 was such a compliment. The perfume of truffle was just charming and lingering. It is a wine that can be enjoyable now and a few decades to go really.

In overall, we were happy with this meal at Ristorante Le Torri and are looking forward to revisit in the future. Cheers.

Cavallotto Barbera d'Alba Vigna del Cuculo 2011

Pio Cesare Barolo Ornato 2009

Ristorante Le Torri @ Castiglione Falletto, Cuneo, Italy
10 Piazza Vittorio Veneto
Castiglione Falletto
Cuneo 12060
Italy

Open Hours: Wednesday to Monday 12:00pm - 02:00pm for lunch and 07:30pm - 09:30pm for dinner

Tel: +39 0173 62937
Web: http://www.ristoranteletorri.it/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/www.ristoranteletorri.it

Elvio Cogno Barolo Vigna Elena Riserva 2007

Date of Tasting: 26 July 2014

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Nebbiolo

Alcohol: 14.5%

Origin: Barolo, Italy

Appellation: DOCG

Expect to Pay: ~ THB3,000

Web: http://www.elviocogno.com/
Chubby Score: 97/100
Value for money: 9/10

Professional Rating: WA - 96/100, AG - 97/100, WS - 93/100, JS - 94/100, FS - 95/100, CT - 94/100

Appearance: bright ruby at this stage

Aroma: bouquet of rose, plum, dried cherry, and mulberry with mild oakiness

Palate: fine silky tannins with fresh and vibrant structure. big, dense, and full with integrated beautiful length. quality and rich in juicy fruit. complexity is there.

Pop and pour. Stunning right there. A pretty fine bottle of Barolo with 100% Nebbiolo of Rose clone. I could just sip this all night long. It is drinking wonderfully now but it would be interesting to follow during the next decades. Fascinating future lies ahead of this Elvio Cogno Barolo Vigna Elena Riserva 2007. Cheers and many more cheers!!!!!!!

Elvio Cogno Cascina Nuova Barolo DOCG 2007

Date of Tasting: 31 January 2014

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Nebbiolo

Alcohol: 14.5%

Origin: Barolo, Piedmont, Italy

Appellation: DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita)

Expect to Pay: ~ THB1,800 - THB2,500

Web: http://www.elviocogno.com/
Chubby Score: 92/100
Value for money: 7/10
Professional Rating: WA - 92/100, WS - 95/100, WE - 95/100, JS - 92/100, ST - 90/100, CT - 92/100

Appearance: brick red

Aroma: spices, floral, rose, earth, and hint of vanilla

Palate: sweet red fruits. round, silky, and exciting medium body that shows depth and length. complex and balance. tobacco and cedar on the background.

I love this well integrated red wine from Piedmont. I does not just show liveliness, vibrant, and sexiness, it is also elegant. A good example of fine wine from great producer, top vineyards, and excellent year. Despite its rich aroma characters, this should well be enjoyable with roasts and flavourful dishes for a decade to go. I shall revisit this awesome in 2016. Let raise many more glasses.