2009 Bruno Giacosa Barolo Le Rocche del Falletto

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, James Suckling, and Wine Spectator all agree that the 2009 Bruno Giacosa Le Rocche del Falletto is a marvelous 95-point Barolo. The Wine Advocate called it “deliciously silky and extra fine with microscopic precision,” while Suckling hailed its “super-elegant” and “truly outstanding” fruit purity, and Spectator honored it as “harmonious in a taut, dense way.” This high-scoring consistency is the legacy of winery owner and Barolo legend Bruno Giacosa, whom The Wine Advocate calls a “genius.” Giacosa’s exceptional Cru vineyard — Falletto — is perched among steep hillsides in Serralunga d’Alba, and in Parker’s “outstanding” 2009 vintage, the “Rocche” plot from this Cru site yielded a marvelous Barolo whose rich black fruit core and vibrant acidity will shine for decades to come. 

This Falletto vineyard in Serralunga d’Alba that Giacosa bought in 1982 is one of the most storied sites for Cru Barolo. Its well-draining soils, steep angle, and south-facing exposure produce Nebbiolo fruit of boisterous character. This densely concentrated 2009 is poised to leave Barolo lovers gobsmacked now, the next decade, or even the decade after. 

Nearing the end of his eighth decade in life, Bruno has always been a man of few words, preferring to let the grapes do the talking. The conversation Bruno’s wines have fostered have changed the face of Barolo and Italian wines in general. The skills he developed at the side of his winemaking father and grandfather have helped his limited-release Barolos and Barbarescos soar to the top of auction registers and Best-of lists around the world.

• Fruit Intensity
• Oak Intensity
• Body
• Acidity
• Tannin

• ABV 14.50%
• 1 hour
• Now – 2040
• % Nebbiolo
• Serving temperature – 60°
• Cork