2011 Fratelli Alessandria Barolo Gramolere

I've been raving about the '11 F. Alessandria Monvigliero,  but hold the phone - the '11 Gramolere is drinking as nicely if not better ! Have always enjoyed Manzone's interpretation of this high altitude Monforte site ... the F. Alessandria version is beautiful. .. would be interesting to find out if whole cluster comes into play...
I feel somewhat guilty enjoying a Barolo as young as this...like going against tradition. .
Anyway, the weather is sublime and I'm not on the road. The better half is visiting her sister this week.... Time to relax on the porch with my trusty hound and enjoy life  :) 

1999 Domenico Clerico Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra & 2011 Fratelli Alessandria Barolo Monvigliero

Let me state up front that Rico is right on the money that it's just a bit early to dig into the '99 Clerico CMG. I actually enjoyed it more upon opening and for the first 90 or so minutes. After a few hours of air, the tannins seemed to clamp down and inhibit the finish. This is a big wine. Doesn't quite pass the Soldera test. The glimpse of fruit and complexity at the beginning was beautiful.  Lovely Monforte profile. Stunning nose.  I had a similar experience with a '99 Conterno-Fantino Sori Ginestra ... still a bit young ..
http://lestastevinsdulac.blogspot.com/2015/07/99-conterno-fantino-sori-ginestra-and.html?m=1
As a counterpoint (and out of curiosity ), we opened an '11 Alessandria Monvigliero. .. this is a much lighter and more elegant style than the Clerico,  which appeals to me I suppose because I am in more of a Burgundy mood these days. It definitely passed the Soldera test. Quite lovely with the dinner. Fruit expression is underdeveloped as one would expect and nose is very reticent. 
Paired these wines with Italian meatloaf (classic pork and beef recipe ). ...

Day 2 impressions:

'11 F. Alessandria Monvigliero. .. holy smokes!  What a wine... since I am in a Burgundy mood these days, this wine is right in the wheelhouse.  Could be perceived as a beautiful 1er Cru Gevrey-Chambertin,  except for the telltale elegant notes of tar and roses. Palate has started to show the sweetness of fruit and tannins, providing a picture of where this wine will be going in a few years. I just stocked up on this beauty because it's going to be hard to keep my hands off this wine.  Perfect complement to chargrilled Angus burgers with caramelized sweet onions (finished in the classic way with Jerez sherry vinegar )

'99 Clerico CMG .... has mellowed a bit so that the finish is a bit more complete and the fruit a bit sweeter.. .. still a big wine 

07 Billard-Gonnet Pommard Chaponnieres VV & '06 Martinelli Pinot Noir Three Sisters Vineyard "Sea Ridge Meadow"

Warming up for our annual Pinot Noir dinner scheduled for next weekend where we will be comparing mixed flights of red Burgundy,  California Pinot Noir and Oregon Pinot Noir,  which is always great fun. 
In a bit of a role reversal, the Pommard is the bigger (yet not ponderous) wine. Dark cherry and sous bois notes with a hint of anise. The boldness belies its 13% abv. Not a terribly complex Burg, but it does unfold a bit with air. Quite drinkable now with another 5 or so years of good drinking ahead. 
The Martinelli Three Sisters comes from solid pedigree, of course. It is the more elegant of the two wines, in spite of its 14.9% abv. Satiny mouthfeel, Rainier cherry palate with a bit more pronounced florals on the nose than the Burg. There's a very alluring sweetness, almost slightly caramel note, that could be attributable to the oak - but it is not off-putting. .. just presents a nice counterpoint to the Pommard.