I’ve cellared the wines of Elio Grasso back into the 80s, and for decades he has quietly set a high bar of top quality, highly structured Barolos from the Monforte commune. While many producers harvested slightly over ripe grapes in the hot 2000 vintage, Grasso and his team pinpointed their harvest timing perfectly, resulting in perfectly ripe fruit that is blossoming magnificently 20 years post vintage. This is a winemaker to keep an eye on!
2000 Elio Grasso, Barolo, Ginestra, Case Mate (RT96) As this wine passes the 2-decade old threshold, it reveals a level of precision and focus of fruit that few captured in the vintage. Better than the vast majority of its counterpart producers, this wine shows fresher, brighter and more depth and dimension. Its dark ruby hue exudes power-based notes of black cherry, menthol, balsam and violets, all packed in an authoritative package. Driving like a Lamborghini, the palate shows precision and class, with smooth, elegant and seemingly soft acidity and perfectly ripe tannin. Superb, clearly the handiwork of a masterful winemaker. Drink now-2035+