The 2011 Barolo Brunate has finally begun to awaken from its post-bottling slumber. Surprisingly open for a young Rinaldi Barolo, the 2011 is round, spherical and supple. Leather, smoke, menthol and tobacco wrap around a plump, juicy core of dark Brunate fruit. The 2011 is almost shockingly accessible. The breadth and creaminess of Brunate is evident, but at the same time, the Brunate is also clearly marked by the ripeness of the vintage. It will be interesting to see if the pedigree of Brunate comes to the fore with further time in bottle. At this point, the Barolo Tre Tine is fresher and better balanced.

The 2011 Barolo Brunate shows dazzle and pizzazz with a good sense of density and structure at the back. Its tight, svelte texture wraps smoothly over the palate. Bright aromas of cherry, dark fruit, balsam herb, rosemary oil, cola and crushed mineral appear with clear definition and energy. Because of the warm vintage, this wine went into bottle six months earlier than average to allow for a longer evolution in glass.