Vinous’s ratings December 2015
Giorgio Pelissero’s 2012s have maintained gorgeous freshness, most of which can be attributed to the decision to move up picking dates slightly. The Nubiola is the most classic, mid-weight of the three Barbarescos, while the Vanotu is the most opulent and the Tulin is somewhere in between. Every wine I tasted at Pelissero during my most recent visit was both delicious and something I would personally want to drink, something I can say about only a small number of estates in Piedmont. 2013 Giorgio Pelissero Long Now: The 2013 Long Now, Pelissero’s Barbera/Nebbiolo blend, is wonderfully nuance and sculpted, with striking aromatics and tons of energy. Sweet dark cherry, plum, mocha, spice, menthol and licorice are fused into the nuanced, inviting finish. There aren’t too many Barbera/Nebbiolo blends that remain interesting. This is one of them. SCORE: 92. 2012 Giorgio Pelissero Barbaresco Vanotu: The 2012 Barbaresco Vanotu has the potential to be one of the wines of the vintage. Aromatically beguiling and beautifully layered in the glass, the Vanotu boasts serious depth and terrific overall balance. Hard candy, wild flowers, mint, lavender, black cherries and spices are laced into the super-expressive finish. The 2012 was aged in 80% new oak, all of which the wine has handled deftly. SCORE: 94. 2012 Giorgio Pelissero Barbaresco Tulin: Deep, pliant and inviting, the 2012 Barbaresco Tulin offers lovely mid-palate intensity to match its powerful personality. Here the shades of fruit meld into the darker end of the spectrum as the wine fills out its broad shouldered frame effortlessly. Dark cherry, spice and leather add the final shades of nuance. SCORE: 94. 2012 Giorgio Pelissero Barbaresco Nubiola: The 2012 Barbaresco Nubiola is the most aromatically precise, lifted wine in this range, as it so often is. Sweet tobacco, mint, crushed rose petal and bright red stone fruits all grace the palate in what has turned out to be a very classic-feeling wine for the vintage at Pelissero. The feminine, gracious finish only adds to the wine’s considerable appeal. While the Tulin and Vanotu are richer wines, the Nubiola will appeal most to readers with more classically leaning palates. SCORE: 92 .VINOUS