Mario Marengo Barolo Brunate 2012

Brunate is rightly considered by many to be one of the best vineyards in Barolo, maybe even the very best! Deeper and more compact than the Bricco delle Viole, but also broader, with an intense flavor palette and the very powerful structure, typical of the Brunate, and a very long aftertaste. An absolute highlight with a very long life ahead of it.
Listed in the TOP 100 of 2016 by International Wine Report at position 49!!

International Wine Report: “The 2012 Brunate is an absolutely terrific showing from Marco Marengo, which instantly impresses with its beautiful aromatics of blackberries and ripe cherries followed by sweet spices and spring floral. This beautifully polished Barolo is well defined and possesses a gorgeous silky texture with lovely finesse. It continues to show excellent depth and balance as it expands seamlessly on to the long finish. While this is already extremely expressive, it also possesses excellent aging potential as well. This is clearly of the most compelling wines from the vintage.

Wine Advocate (Monica Larner): “The 2012 Barolo Brunate is slightly more delicate and feminine than expected. The Brunate vineyard is known for the power and intensity of its fruit. But in this vintage, the site has produced wines with a more streamlined disposition and a lighter aromatic load. All that muscle and brawn is replaced by elegance and finesse. Floral notes are followed by wild berry and white cherry.” “Readers will know that the Mario Marengo estate had previously rented out a portion of its Brunate vineyard holdings to Elio Altare. But the Marengo family has taken that parcel back and now offers its excellent Barolo Brunate in increased production numbers.” 93/100

James Suckling: “Incredible purity of fruit here with strawberry, plum and floral aromas. Full body, velvety and polished tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Love the texture. Wonderful aromatic red. One of the best ever from here. Better in 2019.”

Vinous (Antonio Galloni): “The 2012 Barolo Brunate is a powerful, deep wine that still needs time to fully come together. There is no shortage of brawn or muscle, that much is obvious. Black cherry pit, plum, smoke, menthol and licorice give the Brunate much of its dark, almost brooding personality. I slightly prefer the finesse of the Bricco Viole, but there is plenty to like here as well.” 93/100

Jancis Robinson: "Very dark ruby with orange rim. Full yet embryonic nose. Well concentrated without going over the top and with mouth-filling, grainy tannins. Youthful and long." 17/20

Gambero Rosso 2017: TRE BICCHIERI !!