The 2001 Barolo Vigna Arborina has held up beautifully. It possesses gorgeous aromatic intensity in its fruit and fabulous overall balance. Flowers, mint and spices appear later, adding complexity to the characteristic Arborina wiriness. Some of the baby fat has started dropping off, but the 2001 remains fresh and vibrant. It should continue to drink well for at least a handful of years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018.
These Baroli were made around the time brothers Renato and Giuliano Corino divided their family’s estate. Today Renato makes Baroli from Arborina and Rocche at his new winery, while Giuliano’s lineup includes wines from Arborina and Giachini, bottled under the family’s Giovanni Corino label. Both brothers make and old-vines Vecchie Vigne Barolo, but from different vineyards. Renato and Giuliano Corino split the already-bottled production of their 2001 Barolo Arborina and Rocche and sold the wines under their respective labels. Readers will find both labels on the market, but the wines themselves are identical. The two 2001 Corino Vecchie Vigne Baroli were made differently in the cellar. I have listed both Vecchie Vigne Baroli separately.
A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411, Robert Houde Wines, Elk Grove Village, IL; tel. (847) 430-3887