Guido Porro:
Reviews and notes on Guido Porro regularly refer to him as “under the radar”: the wines he makes are worthy of a stellar reputation, but he is too easygoing and unassuming to worry about whether the general wine-drinking public recognizes his name. He rarely bothers to send samples to wine writers. Guido is the fourth generation at an estate that has always been passed from father to son, and although fifth-generation Fabio hasn’t reached middle school, he is already showing a keen curiosity in the family business. The Porros continue to work just as their predecessors did—the only major change over the last few decades has been the decision to bottle at the estate instead of selling the wine in demijohns or barrels—and they like to keep things simple and down to earth. The door is always open, and Guido’s wife Giovanna never looks quite as happy as when she’s serving enormous platters of classic local dishes to a full table of guests.
The limestone-heavy soils of Serralunga d’Alba are known for providing the most long-lived and full-bodied Barolos. Porro’s vineyards are located here in the Lazzarito cru, a gorgeous amphitheatre that faces south-southwest and offers the grapes full sun exposure and protection from the wind. The sub-zones of Lazzairascoand Santa Caterina are both monopoli and share the same soil; however, different exposition and altitude bring distinct traits to each wine. Lazzairasco, a very hot site home to Guido’s oldest Nebbiolo, gives a more powerful, masculine wine, while the cooler, breezier Santa Caterina brings out the delicacy and elegance of Nebbiolo. Even Porro’s Barbera, a grape that is usually planted in lesser vineyards, enjoys a privileged place inSanta Caterina. Guido sticks to traditional methods in the vineyards and cellar, and he never gets in the way of the grapes’ natural expression.
• Vines are sustainably farmed, the equivalent of lutte raisonnée in France.
• Only indigenous yeasts are used
• Almost all barrels used (barriques, tonneaux, and botti) are at least 5th passage; new barrels are introduced occasionally as needed
• The Lazzairasco, Santa Caterina, and l’Pari vineyards are all monopolies
Langhe Nebbiolo “Camilu”:
• Maceration in cement vats lasts 20-25 days; pumping over 3-4 times daily
• Six or seven months in 500-L tonneaux
• Vines are located in the Serralunga within the Barolo DOCG
Langhe Rosso “Paesan”:
• Nebbiolo and Barbera vinified and matured separately
• Maceration in cement vats lasts 20-25 days; pumping over 3-4 times daily
• Nebbiolo: 1 year in tonneaux
• Barbera: 1 year in barriques
Dolcetto, Barbera:
• Maceration in cement vats lasts 7-12 days; pumping over 3-4 times daily
• Dolcetto: 2 months in botti then 10-12 months in cement vats before bottling
• Barbera: 4-6 months in botti then about 6 months in stainless steel before bottling
Barolos:
• Maceration in cement vats lasts 20-25 days; pumping over 3-4 times daily
• Three years in 15- to 25-hl Slavonian oak botti
Lazzairasco and Santa Caterina:
• Both vineyards in the Lazzarito cru of Barolo
• Lazzairasco: 300-350 m altitude; S/SE exposure
• Santa Caterina: 340-390 m altitude; SW exposure
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I feel this wine expresses the greatness of California and its hidden pockets where Cabernet can excel. The cold Pacific Ocean running the entire length of the state presents maritime influences – and with each small distance eastward the climate warms. Stony soils, south facing slopes and moderately warm conditions are the keys to producing dark, rich and good tasting Cabernet.
A small release from Caymus Vineyards, this wine is a California-appellation Cabernet Sauvignon – supple, dark and rich, bearing the signature hallmarks of Caymus. It is sourced from sites throughout the state which feature climatic conditions, soils and topography that are ideally suited to Cabernet. This project stems from excitement over California's diverse vineyard land, often in lesser-known areas, with the potential to produce exceptional Cabernet.
This beautiful wine opens with aromas of cassis, blackberry, and earthy plum on the nose, with a touch of cedar that elegantly underlies the rich dark fruits on the nose. The wine is rich and full bodied on the palate, the acidity is supple, supporting the layers of plum, dark cherry and dusty minerality. Alongside these you have a touch of espresso bean and slight vanilla. The smooth tannins follow through to drive the finish, giving longevity to the palate.
Review: Aromas of black cherries, cassis, spice box, walnut and graphite. Firm and lengthy with a full body and compact tannin structure. Dense and wide with a chocolaty finish. - James Suckling 93 Points |
A classic balance between generous red and black fruits and firm tannins shows in this full-bodied wine as it unfolds black cherries, blackberries, oak char and black pepper. It's grippy in texture—perfect for a steak or lamb chop.
- Wine Enthusiast 93 Points