ELIO GRASSO Barolo ‘Gavarini Chiniera’ 2019 Bottle

Description

The 2019 'Gavarini Chiniera' is a spectacular expression of Nebbiolo from one of the most prized vineyard sites in Monforte d’Alba. Elio Grasso is renowned for a style that marries traditional power with remarkable aromatic purity, and this vintage is a shining example of that philosophy.

In the glass, it shows a classic translucent garnet hue. The nose is incredibly fragrant, offering an elegant mix of red cherries, dried rose petals, and a distinct mineral edge reminiscent of crushed stones. On the palate, it is medium bodied yet intensely structured, with firm, chalky tannins and a vibrant acidity that suggests a very long life ahead. It is a sophisticated and precise Barolo that prioritises finesse and site character over sheer weight.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 97 points/100
Reviewed by: Monica Larner
Drink Date: 2025 - 2055
With vines adjacent to forests on white chalky soils, the Elio Grasso 2019 Barolo Gavarini Chiniera is a luminous and very beautiful wine. Vintner Gianluca Grasso called this "the helicopter vintage" because he actually rented a helicopter to fly over the vines for 45 minutes to dry them from rain right before harvest. As he tells it, this was a costly but good decision because 15 minutes after he finished harvesting on October 26, heavy rain came and lasted an entire week. Thanks to these dramatic measures, the grape skins were excellent, and maceration with submerged cap lasted 55 days. That's how perfect the skins were. This balanced wine shows extreme precision and elegance.

VINOUS 96 points/100
Drinking window: 2029 - 2044
The 2019 Barolo Gavarini Chiniera is classically austere and just gorgeous right out of the gate. Soaring aromatics and fine, sculpted fruit race out of the glass. Crushed rose petal, cinnamon, orange peel and mint are all beautifully delineated. Readers will have to be patient, as the 2019 is going to need years to be at its best, yet it has that embryonic inner sweetness that characterizes the very finest wines here. Superb.

JAMES SUCKLING 94 points/100
Perfumes of cinnamon, plums and dried flowers follow through to a medium body, with fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Hints of cedar and sandalwood. Crunchy and lightly chewy. Give this four or five years to soften. Best after 2028.