Piemonte

Question 1

2018

Answer 1

Cooler growing season. Fresh, elegant, vibrant.
WS: 93

Question 2

2017

Answer 2

Spring rains mitigated the hot, dry summer, with an ideal September for ripening Nebbiolo. The best Barolos and Barbarescos are fresh and balanced, evoking red fruit flavors.
WS: 94

Question 3

2016

Answer 3

2016 WS: 98
= Balanced, vibrant and tense Barolos; refined, elegant Barbarescos

Question 4

2015

Answer 4

Winter snow and spring rain provided water reserves for the vines during the hot summer, resulting in vibrant Barolos with red fruit flavors and rich Barbarescos, all showing balance
WS: 96

Question 5

Best vintages 2016-2020

Answer 5

2016 WS: 98
= Balanced, vibrant and tense Barolos; refined, elegant Barbarescos

Question 6

Worst vintages 2016-2020

Answer 6

2018 WS: 93
cooler growing season, vibrant, light tannin structure, early drinking

Question 7

2014

Answer 7

Wet winter, wet spring, disastrous hailstorms in July, especially in Barolo. Will be a small crop, likely very lightly styled.
WS: 92

Question 8

2013

Answer 8

Difficult spring led to a hot, sunny, dry summer. Currently looks to be moving on par with 2010.
WS: 96 = Pure, finesse, fine acidity

Question 9

2012

Answer 9

Heat wave in August caused shutdown; subsequent rain restarted the growing cycle and autumn was long and dry. Lighter-styled vintage, with good acidity and freshness.
WS: 94 = Barolos are elegant, balanced and expressive, with fruit and savory elements; elegant, intense, even austere Barbarescos

Question 10

2011

Answer 10

Very hot vintage, early harvest. Wines are ripe, supple, and occasionally very high alcohol.
WS: 93 = Rich and fleshy with vibrant structure

Question 11

2010

Answer 11

A cool growing season and ideal weather before harvest; pure, elegant and structured reds, with fine potential for aging
WS: 97

Question 12

Best vintages 2010-2015

Answer 12

2010 WS: 97
= pure, elegant, structured
2013 also great WS: 96
= classic, pure, finesse

Question 13

Worst vintages 2010-2015

Answer 13

2014 WS: 92
Cold and rain, lighter style
I personally prefer 2014 to 2011

Question 14

Worst vintages 2016-2020

Answer 14

2018 WS: 93
cooler growing season, vibrant, light tannin structure, early drinking

Question 15

Best vintage 2010-2020

Answer 15

2016

Question 16

Worst vintage 2010-2020

Answer 16

2014

Question 17

2009

Answer 17

Very warm vintage, with severe dryness and water stress. Lowered acidity and some rough tannin due to vine shutdown. Quality varies by producer.
WS: 90

Question 18

2008

Answer 18

Austere and strict in comparison to 2007’s plushness; potential for great staying power.
WS: 94

Question 19

2007

Answer 19

Hot summer, hail, low yields, ripe wines. Small crop of good quality.
WS: 95 = fleshy, approachable early

Question 20

2006

Answer 20

Challenging season, but results are classic wines with fine structure and power.
WS: 95 = muscular with aging potential

Question 21

2005

Answer 21

Solid but not outstanding; some difficulties from drought.
WS: 91 = Balanced and elegant reds, delivering fruit and ripe tannins

Question 22

Best vintages 2005-2009

Answer 22

2006 and 2007
2006 WS: 95 = cooler year, austere and masculine
2007 WS: 95 = warm year, fleshier, approachable earlier

Question 23

Worst vintages 2005-2009

Answer 23

2009 WS: 90
Warm year, inconsistencies

Question 24

Worst vintages 2016-2020

Answer 24

2018 WS: 93
cooler growing season, vibrant, light tannin structure, early drinking

Question 25

2004

Answer 25

Lovely, well-balanced. “Like 1964.” WS: 94 = Fresh, harmonious, perfumed reds; hitting its peak now

Question 26

2003

Answer 26

Overripe, somewhat raisinated. Better wines from older vines. Good but may be overblown. WS: 88

Question 27

2002

Answer 27

Very, very difficult; hail, rot, unripeness. Some great wines by producer. WS: 72

Question 28

2001

Answer 28

High quality and quantity; relatively early harvest. Some lowered acidities; softer in structure. WS: 95 = Aromatic, structured and firm reds with racy character

Question 29

2000

Answer 29

Very good vintage; smaller crop. Softer and full-bodied. WS: 93 = Rich and opulent reds with round tannins and exciting fruit; more forward in style

Question 30

Best vintages 2000-2004

Answer 30

2001 WS: 95 Aromatic, structured and firm reds with racy character

Question 31

Worst vintages 2000-2004

Answer 31

2002 WS: 72 Washout, past peak

Question 32

Best vintage 2000-2010

Answer 32

2010

Question 33

Worst vintage 2000-2010

Answer 33

2002

Question 34

Best vintage of the 1990s

Answer 34

1990 = big, rich, powerful 1996 WS: 98 = textbook, fruity, racy, stuctured