Barolo 2010 Gramolere, Giovanni Manzone

The Giovanni Manzone estate is located in Monforte d'Alba, Piedmont, in the southeastern portion of the Langhe hills. Manzone owns about 20 acres of vineyards and uses estate-grown grapes only. The entire production is focused on quality and limited to about 45,000 bottles per year. The family-estate began in 1925 when Giovanni Manzone purchased "Ciabot del Preve" (the residence of the Parish of the nearby town of Castelletto). In 1965, Giovanni and Stefano Manzone bottled the first wines, and little by little they purchased important vineyards on the historic hill of "Gramolere", in Monforte d'Alba. The Wine Advocate describes Giovanni Manzone as a winery that "...continues to produce some of the most unique Barolos in the zone. Although his hometown of Monforte is best known for structured wines, Manzone's vineyards are among the highest in the region, and as a result his wines show unusually delicate, often ethereal personalities", and the Wine Spectator says that Manzone is "a small producer who does magic with Nebbiolo." With most of the 2010's sold out of the market place this wine is a rarity. 100% Nebbiolo sourced from the Gramolere vineyard where the altitude is 1100-1300 feet and the vine age averages 20-40 years old. The wine is aged in 500 and 700 liter Slavonian casks and French tonneaux for 36 months and is bottled unfiltered. Less than 1000 cases were produced. Wine Spectator scored this 94 points saying "Rose, cherry and underbrush flavors highlight this elegant red. Silky and firm, with snappy acidity marshaling the flavors through the long aftertaste. Balanced, with an aftertaste of dried berry, tobacco and mineral. Best from 2018 through 2033." and Antonio Galloni scored it 94+ saying "A powerful, deep wine, the 2010 Barolo Gramolere wraps around the palate with gorgeous resonance. Mint, pine, menthol, spices and new leather are all beautifully expressive in the glass. The tannins are firm, but also very nicely integrated. It will be interesting to see how the 2010 ages. Today, it is full of potential."