Bruno Giacosa   Barolo Falletto DOCG

2004 Barolo Falletto D.O.C.G.

By Bruno Giacosa

2004 Barolo Falletto D.O.C.G. from Bruno Giacosa, Piedmont, Italy

The 2004 vintage in Piedmont is but a firmament under which these near celestial Barolo wines have ebbed and blossomed. And within the pantheon of greats, the 2004 Barolo Falletto D.O.C.G. from Bruno Giacosa has carved out its own distinct epoch.

 

The Anomaly and Allure of the 2004 Growing Season

This Italian masterpiece hails from a vintage that was distinctly cool and long, eliciting an enviable level of finesse in this noble red. The allure of remarkable fine wines from Italy often hinges on the interplay between nature's whims and a winemaker’s deft hand, and this wine epitomises such balance.

Despite the challenging season, Giacosa prevailed with his intuitive prudence. He harnessed Nebbiolo vines' pendulum-like swing between balance and volatility to procure grapes that ripple with extravagant richness yet articulate brilliant exactness.

 

A Palette of Piedmontese Prestige

The 2004 Barolo Falletto D.O.C.G. marries nuances of immortal fruit wrapped in an enigma of old leather, earthy truffle and haunting licorice root. Delicacies of dried rose and fresh dark cherries whisper throughout, blended with a sotto voce resonance of smoky minerality.

This wine's tannic constitution is both knife-edge defined and gratifyingly velvety – an impressive testament to Nebbiolo's regional nobility within Piedmont’s Langhe hills.

 

Dividend in Decades: Investment Worthiness

Giacosa's 2004 Barolo Falletto has the intrinsic ability to age with dignity. It promises to reward those patient enough to invest in its potential, two decades on from its harvest.

The true thrust of this Italian wonder is its value proposition as a high performer on the investment frontier. As one of the remarkable fine wines from Italy's lauded 2004 vintage, Giacosa's Barolo Falletto shines as a specimen with immense growth potential; a thoughtful addition for a discerning investor's cellar collection.

Remembered for a balance emblematic of a fine ballet performance, the 2004 Barolo Falletto D.O.C.G. impresses with lingering climaxes and gentle decrescendos. It presents a grand stage onto which each sip performs an act worthy of standing ovation — a nuanced narrative that assures you no two tastings will be alike.

Current market price

$4,890.00

12x75cl

Highest score

96

POP score

183.75

Scores and tasting notes

96

Giacosa’s 2004 Barolo Falletto is so compelling it will be hard not to drink it in its youth. This gorgeous Barolo reveals a deeply structured frame layered with sweet dark fruit, mint, spice and pine. At once delicate and powerful, it is a beautifully finessed wine that is sure to provide much pleasure. A recent bottle of the 1982 is a testament to the virtues of this great site as interpreted by Bruno Giacosa. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024. Bruno Giacosa’s profound 2004s, which I first wrote about in Issue 173, continue with these superb Barolos, all of which merit close attention. I also had a chance to re-taste the 2004 Barbarescos and they were as impressive as they have been on previous occasions. Importer: Winebow, Hohokus, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

Antonio Galloni - The Wine Advocate, 27 December 2007

Vintage performance