This polished wine opens with aromas that recall porcini mushroom, underbrush, woodland berries and whiffs of balsam. The dense palate delivers crushed black cherry, red raspberry, menthol, sage, black pepper and licorice alongside bracing tannins and lively acidity. Drink after 2020. KERIN O’KEEFE
🏅Vinous 92-94 pts
The 2010 Barolo Brunate is initially quite reticent, as young wines from this site often are. Cherry, plum, clove, menthol and pine notes unfold as the 2010 begins to show off its rich, dramatic personality. A rich Barolo bathed in fruit and tannin, the 2010 is going to need quite a bit of time to fully meld together, but all of the raw elements are there for that to happen. The resonant, enveloping finish is impossible to resist.
🏅Wine Advocate 91 pts
The 2010 Barolo Brunate starts off with savory notes of cured meat and smoked bacon that unfold to reveal dark fruit and bitter chocolate as the wine evolves. Wines from the Brunate cru always deliver an extra sense of boldness and ripeness and Marcarini’s expression is no exception. Chopped mint, cinnamon and black olive appear at different stages of the experience. The tannins show some astringency so give this wine an extra year or two of cellar aging.
