Vinous’s ratings December 2015 part 2
From Affordable Piedmont – Dolcetto, Barbera & Langhe Nebbiolo (Dec 2015) by Antonio Galloni Giorgio Pelissero’s entry-level wines are just as compelling as the Barbarescos this year. This range is especially notable for the number of wines that deliver both quality and value. 2014 Giorgio Pelissero Dolcetto d’Alba Augenta: Dark red cherry, plum, smoke, licorice and cloves are some of the notes that open up in the 2014 Dolcetto d’Alba Augenta. This is a gorgeous wine for the vintage. There is a level of sweetness and mid-palate intensity that I find particularly appealing. SCORE: 90. 2014 Giorgio Pelissero Dolcetto d’Alba Munfrina: The 2014 Dolcetto d’Alba Munfrina is deep, pungent and full of character. Bold red cherry/pomegranate notes open up first, followed by shades of earthiness, tobacco, wild flowers, mint and lavender that add nuance. SCORE: 89. 2014 Giorgio Pelissero Favorita: The 2014 Favorita is absolutely delicious. Lemon peel, white flowers, mint and chamomile abound in a tasty, refreshing white to drink now and over the next year or two. SCORE: 89. 2014 Giorgio Pelissero Freisa: Crushed flowers, mint, rose petals, cinnamon and sweet red berries are all pushed forward in the 2014 Freisa, a delicious lightly sparkling red to drink now and over the next few years. SCORE: 88. 2013 Giorgio Pelissero Barbera d’ Alba Piani: Pelissero’s 2013 Barbera d’ Alba Piani embodies the virtues of this cool, late-ripening vintage. Freshly cut flowers, mint, hard candy, spices and sweet dark cherries are some of the notes that inform this vibrant, super-expressive Barbera. In 2013, Giorgio Pelissero did not bottle his top of the line Barbera Tulin; all the best fruit went into the Piani. SCORE: 91. 2013 Giorgio Pelissero Langhe Nebbiolo: The 2013 Langhe Nebbiolo is a fabulous example of the year. Crushed flowers, dried red cherries and mint are all beautifully delineated in this super-appealing, energetic, mid-weight Langhe Nebbiolo from Giorgio Pelissero. SCORE: 90. 2012 Giorgio Pelissero Barbera d’Alba Tulin: Dark, fleshy and supple, 2012 Barbera d’Alba Tulin captures the richness of the vintage in spades. Super-ripe dark cherries, plums, mint, cola and spices are front and center. This is an especially forward, giving Barbera, with all the elements in the right place. SCORE: 91. VINOUS