Single Bottle Highlight: Great 2016 Barbaresco

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I have good news, and more good news: first, the Glicine Barbaresco Vigne Sparse 2016 has arrived. I’ve been looking forward to this for a while, as it was a truly excellent vintage in Barbaresco; most 2016 Barbaresco were released a couple of years ago, but Glicine chooses to hold their wine longer, and we all benefit from that extra couple of years of bottle age. The second part of the good news: Yes, inevitably the 2016 is more expensive - $4 more per bottle than the 2015 - but at $37.99 it’s a steal. AND: see below for a special offer!

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Cantina del Glicine 2016 Barbaresco Vignesparse

Glicine is a small winery, run on traditional lines – aging in large Slavonian oak, long fermentations. The farming is organic (but not certified); the Vignesparse (“scattered vines”) is a blend of fruit in the classic manner, from Gallina, Serraboella, and Serracapelli – offering, by historical characterization: finesse (Gallina), structure (Serraboella), and fruit (Serracapelli) – thus obtaining a balance of elements and complexity that a single-vineyard might not deliver.

Sadly, 2016 is probably the last vintage to be released by Glicine: Roberto Bruno the winemaker and owner died in 2017. After Roberto’s passing the 2016 was tended by the super-talented Mario Andreon, of Castello di Verduno. But the 2016 is a suitable monument to Roberto’s skill and dedication. I loved the 2015, which maintained balance in a very warm, short growing season; the 2016 shows the finesse and harmonious character of an ideally long and cool ripening vintage. It will take some years to unwind from what is initially a pretty intense and wintery wine with some muscle; with air it emerges as very graceful. Initially savory ,with stony aromas, black tea, and cocoa powder, followed by lovely blood orange and red fruit. Medium-bodied with no sensation of heat, and quite pronounced but satisfyingly ripe tannins, the wine is very long. It remains a seriously great deal!

Our usual 10% discount applies to any purchase of 12 bottles of wine; for 24 hours only, take 15% off a 12 bottle case of Glicine Barbaresco (if you order online we will apply the extra discount when we process your order). Jamie Wolff

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  • $37.99

  • Organic