Travaglini Gattinara 2001

Iron Chef posted a review on this wine in the Make a Suggestion thread a few days ago - as it happened we had opened a bottle but hadn't finished drinking it or writing our own review when Iron Chef posted. So here's a chance for two reviews for the price of one! (Ok, they're free, but still...) As you will see, everyone loved this wine - and we all agree it was great value. Unfortunately, it is already sold out. If we're lucky we'll see more of it next year.

Here is Kelly's review:

Nose of licorice root, menthol, herbs, violets, cranberries, tar, follows through on palate. Nicely balanced. Clear and long, ending with grippy tannins. Delicious.

I would say it exhibits characteristic nebbiolo traits, as I identified it right away. People tend to describe nebbiolo as resembling roses and tar, and that really does describe this wine. It did very well in the half-bottle. I don't think it deteriorated at all. We've had this wine before (got it in Ontario) and loved it then too.

Price: $33
Value: 5/5
Score: 93
Region: Italy, Piedmont
Tasted: Dec 2008
UPC: No longer available

And here is what Iron Chef had to say:

Thanks to Luke for getting me a couple. This was a fantastic example of Nebbiolo at its best- the low rent district of Piedmont in northern Italy. We had it New Yrs eve with Surf and turf witha a nice Lavit Rosado Brut from Spain UPC #033293653004 Retail Price: $16.29 BTW 88 pts for the Lavit. The Gattinara looked to be 25 yrs old by sight, and by tannin seemed to be 6 months old. High Bricking on the Rim with a smell of dried Roses and Liqorish. A scent of old world oak with a distinctive class of a Great Great Wine. I am tempted to call this the best Red of 2008 but it was too young and we had a Domaine de la Romanée-Conti Echézeaux. A dried Clove and Bay leaves enhanced the aromas and brought the senses in focus. The palate was Tannic with subdued friut with that "Fine Wine" quality first discribed to me as that sense of being in the presence of greatness. A true wine experience.

Value 5/5
Score 96