Friday Sips

THIS WEEK'S FRIDAY SIPS

Friday February 28 from 3:30 – 6:30

SPECIAL BAROLO & BARBERA TASTING FEATURING WINES FROM MAURO MOLINO

JUST RECEIVED WORD THAT THE MAIN MAN HIMSELF WILL BE IN THE HOUSE!! - Mauro Molino and his daughter Martina will be presenting and discussing their outstanding wines from their La Morra-based Barolo estate this Friday February 28 from 3:30 – 6:30

2012 MAURO MOLINO BARBERA D'ALBA
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE

Since 1978 Mauro Molino has produced wines that can best be described as neo-classical. Wines that are produced using appropriate technology to maintain the flavors of the region always seem to present themselves with poise, personality and both aromatic and flavor impact all which are hallmark traits of Barolo’s famed, picturesque and Grand Cru village of La Morra.

Mauro Molino’s 2012 Barbera is superbly aromatic with cigar-box, vanilla-laden tobacco, tar, spice, anisette, porcini and tons of juicy blue and red fruit. A full-bodied, supple, forward version gives off vivacious berry, cocoa and great lift in the mouth. It's the perfect red for many occasions. Try it with grilled, braised and roasted fare, light rice or pasta dishes and of course, cheese. If there is a better 14 dollar Barbera out there, let us know!

2011 MAURO MOLINO BARBERA D’ALBA SUPERIORE “LEGATTERE”
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE

The Legattere Barbera is an extremely special bottling of Barbera that we are very fortunate to have access to here in Portland. Made from a Cru Barolo vineyard called Vigna Gattera and 40+ year old vines from Molino’s tiny 1.2 acre portion, this Barbera is is certainly a wow wine. An alluring and robust Barbera that shows La Morra’s classic refinement and beauty, but also shows the stalwart intensity of the fruit from these old vines.

Layered and symphonic, the Legattere runs the gamut of complexity from blackberry fruit and chocolate dust to coffee and allspice tones. The wine’s finish is super-long, palate-staining and threatens to break just about any stopwatch. Ultra-sexy now and will continue to develop and drink well through 2021 we recommend enjoying it with full-flavored risotto dishes.

2009 MAURO MOLINO BAROLO
$39.99 BTL./$479.88 CASE

We do sound like a record with a skipping needle but we have to mention it yet again, La Morra is the home for refined and sophisticated Barolo however, being Barolo and Nebbiolo, these wines pack plenty of backbone and structure, too. Molino’s Barolo is aged in both large oak casks and French barrique creating an intense yet refined mouthfeel and an aromatic profile that fills the room.

Intensely aromatic, this Barolo is telltale of its place with perfumed rose petal and red licorice tones. A sultry beast and lurking beneath are aspects of dense clay, asphalt, chocolate licorice and a deep core of red fruit. Wonderfully intense in the mouth with fine structure, this classy Barolo is marked by gorgeous mouthfilling flavors that carry over seamlessly from the nose. Enjoy with the usual suspects; anything mushroom or truffle/oil (if you must) laden and hearty cold weather fare over the next 8-10 years.

2009 MAURO MOLINO BAROLO “VIGNA CONCA”
$69.99 BTL. – EXCRUCIATINGLY LIMITED!

Vigna Conca is one of the most prolific and renowned vineyard sites not only in La Morra, but also within the entire realm of Barolo. Of course it is young and the 2009 shows signs of integrated elevation with notes of licorice, floral, a touch of brown sugar-laden pie crust, tobacco, dried porcini, anisette and a hint of underbrush that offers the awesome complexity that is finely-made nebbiolo.

Classic perfume of La Morra with sneaky structure sets the pace in the mouth, but this beauty is all about texture that is penetrating yet transparently pure. Deceptively giving at the moment but do not be fooled, as with the best expressions of Barolo, there is a Mike Tyson left-hook wrapped up in all of this elegance. Generous fruit is abound, but the wine then clamps down and lets you know that it is a pup as the finish is tight, packed and laced with violet, spice and earth characteristics. If you are having braised lamb or pork, this can actually be accessed now with decanting, but it will ultimately be at its best from 2017 – 2025.