“Grabs your attention immediately…” - JS

And that it sure did. In a massive PILE of samples direct from Italy. First by standing out with 95 points for a single-vineyard Barolo from the stellar 2015 vintage that we could bring to you in the mid-$30s! There simply was nothing like it anywhere nearby.

Then we admired the label. That family feel which has a ring of Piedmont, and a ring of Burgundy not too far, counterparts of the Italo-Franco cognoscenti of ultimate boutique winemaking epicenters. There’s a reason why these vineyards of Barolo were granted UNESCO World Heritage status. There are no mediocre wines in sight any direction you look around here, only greats: the long discovered top producers who get the hefty sums their wines deserve, and few yet to be discovered, like Le Ginestre.

In fact, this Cantina’s illustrious history takes us back to 1832 when Count of Cavour collaborated with French oenological consultant Louis Oudar, to join those who laid the foundations of Piemontese wine as we know it today. Similarly, the vineyard of Sottocastello di Novello is as old as the castle of Novello rising above, built in the same era as Cantina Le Ginestre. History and nobility are everywhere you look in these parts and the wines, just like the traditionalism, have stood the test of time.

As expected from Nebbiolo, a shy garnet rim shines through a vibrant crimson core. The nose blooms with layers of plum, cherry, licorice, leather, iron, tobacco, and chalky mineral nuances. The mouthfeel is driven by a bright strawberry preserve note, lifted by wild herbs, sinewy tannins adding refinement. Tar and earth linger on the sappy and long finish with juicy-fresh and tangy dried berries, as well as baking spices. This smooth textured, opulent, and youthful Barolo needs air, time, and/or lots of truffles.

Thanks to the whopping 45% savings, our secret price LEAVES you with a huge budget to splurge on peerless white Alba truffles that come from this very same vicinity, and shaved liberally on a simple pasta or egg dish, with a bottle of this will, trust us, bring tears of joy to the eyes of the even most discerning connoisseur.

Pile up now on this almost exclusive Wine Spies find - you will thank us later.

95 Points – James Suckling

“This grabs your attention immediately with its sumptuous, dried red plums and red cherries, so don’t miss the hints of cedar and tar. There’s loads of fruit here, but the structure is also bold and eye-catching with round, chunky tannins. Long and flamboyant finish. Drink from 2023.”