Pizzini’s flagship Nebbiolo, the Coronamento, will catalyse debate. It certainly ain’t cheap but I think that issue takes a back seat to the oak that the wine sees. There’s a liberal amount but it’s sexy, high quality, smooth oak and if you give the wine some time in a decanter (or cellar it, or taste it over a few days) it integrates extremely well, allowing varietal character and the grapes from some special sites to take centre stage.
A wine of gravitas, depth and complexity. Densely but not darkly fruited; more red cherry and plums. These flavours are more than matched by licorice root, lavender, violets, savoury tea leaf, tar and earth. Chocolate and orange dimensions play a part too, more so when it is first opened. Despite all these layers and all this complexity it’s still only medium-bodied. Everything is in balance and while you can certainly enjoy it now, it will reward the patient. Length, presence, shape and structure assure that. The assertive tannins are extremely impressive; fine with an almost candle wax texture as opposed to being just chewy. Quite simply, it’s a unique and memorable experience in a bottle. 95+ Excellent – Exceptional
Region: King Valley
Alcohol: 14.4%
Closure: Cork
Price: $135
Tasted: August 2012
I’m with you on this one! It’s gorgeous. If I was more patient I’d cellar one. Alas…
Lexi – I must admit I rely on my very generous brother to cellar these Coronamentos
But they are still a pleasure to drink on release, thank goodness!
Cheers
J
No disrespect to the winemaker intended – but who buys these when there’s Barolo and Barbaresco to be had at the same price? Would be interested to hear people’s thoughts – particularly from those who buy them.
I imagine people who like it and don’t suffer from cultural cringe. According to JP’s note this is a superb wine. Full Stop.
I buy them, and prefer them to some Barolo and Barbaresco. I always thought the Pizzini’s were smart to price them as they have and I see from Nat’s comments below that their philosophy and advice on pricing is inline with my own thoughts.
To compare their prices with Barolo & Barbaresco is to look at wine as a simple commodity.
I don’t buy them to compare to Barolo, I buy them because I love the wines that Pizzini make and KV terroir.
Josh – I think Rory has pretty much summed it up. I’ve bought a 2004. My brother has 2003-2005 in the cellar. I’ve tasted more expensive Barolo and Barbaresco that I wouldn’t rate as highly. Also I’d add that diversity plays a significant role in the appreciation of wine for many. You might buy this because it’s an extremely good Nebbiolo from the King Valley rather than an extremely good Nebbiolo from Barolo; they are different terroirs and different wines.
Agreed – Rory’s was a good call.
Hi guys, yes it is an expensive wine, but there are a couple of reasons for this. One is that when we first made the Coronamento (Italian for crowning of one’s achievements) Nebbiolo and Rubacuori (steeler of hearts) Sangiovese we did it with the influence of Alberto Antonini who is a consultant winemaker based in Northern Italy. His advice was do not under value these wines as in his words, they are as good as some coming out of Piedmont and Tuscany. We knew it would be difficult to gain respect for this but we have stuck to it. Also, Joel Pizzini is passionate about treating these 2 wines with kid gloves, they get the best treatment…side note, he was completely shattered in 2003 when a mistake in the winery resulted in someone elses Cab Sauv being pumped into our Rubacuori Sangio!! Anyway, we are gland you like it JP. ps Alberto still consults to us on this and 5 other of our wines. Nat P
Natalie, does this wine have a percentage of dried fruit?
Thanks for the insight and context Nat. I remember hearing about the Cabernet being pumped into the 2003 Rubacouri Sangiovese. What a disaster
I’m sure it would have torn Joel and the whole family to pieces at the time. Great to see that you’ve persevered though. I’ve much love for the Rubacouri too.
Cheers
J