Giuseppe Cappellano Barolo Pie Franco 2012 (750ml)

The 2011 Barolo Piè Franco-Otin Fiorin brings together the richness and unctuousness of this vintage with expressive upper register and mid-weight feel that is so typical of the Piè Franco. Aromatically lifted and gracious, the 2011 packs a pretty good punch. Hints of sweet tobacco, licorice, mint, spices, orange peel, leather and rosewater add considerable shades of nuance. In 2011, the Piè Franco is perhaps a bit broader than it can be, yet all the elements fall into place effortlessly. As always, Cappellano prefers that scores for his wines not be published. I consider 2011 an intermediary vintage here, as it is pretty much everywhere.

Not Rated

- By Antonio Galloni on August 2015

Augusto Cappellano's 2011 Barolos are quite pretty. Readers should take these notes as general indications, as the wines were bottled about three weeks before my visit. Today, the 2011s remind me of the 2009s in their mid-weight, yet ripe personalities. Although the wines can be enjoyed young, my impression is that readers are best off giving the wines time in bottle to shed some of their glycerine sweetness. Cappellano has moved up his barrel aging regime by one year starting with the 2012s, which were bottled at the same time as the 2011s. Cappellano cites a number of factors, including climate change, as reasons for reducing time in barrel in order to preserve a touch more freshness. These handmade, artisan Barolos reflect a timeless beauty that I personally find highly appealing. As always, Cappellano prefers that scores for his wines not be published. I consider 2011 an intermediary vintage here, as it is pretty much everywhere.