Barolo Gavarini Vigna Chiniera Elio Grasso 2022 (1.5L)

96 Points, Kerin O'Keefe, KerinOKeefe.com: "The Elio Grasso 2022 Barolo Gavarini Chiniera is a gorgeous wine, starting with its enticing aromas of violet, freshly baled hay, red berry and dark spice. Made with grapes from the family’s Gavarini vineyard above the winery at 400m above sea level and surrounded by woods, even in a challenging vintage like 2022, it’s all about finesse and depth, delivering ripe Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, wild herb, licorice and graphite. Reflecting the vineyard’s unique soils composed of sand, limestone, silt and a pronounced vein of chalk, it boasts a weightless concentration, delivering juicy black cherry, ground clove, star anise and a graphite mineral note alongside polished tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it lifted and balanced. Drink 2028–2037. Abv: 15%" 07/26

94 Points, Antonio Galloni, Antonio Galloni: "The 2022 Barolo Gavarini Chiniera is soft, layered and quite expressive. Macerated cherry, cinnamon, mocha, blood orange and rose petal all meld together in the glass. Readers will find a Barolo of density and volume. The Gavarini signatures are present, most notably the wine's brilliant energy, but in a smaller-scaled package that is quite appealing." 01/26

96 Points, Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com: "The 2022 Barolo Gavarini Chiniera pours a uniform ruby color and offers wonderful clarity and refinement, with aromas of black raspberries, anise, cracked pepper, and citrus peel emerging from the glass. Medium-bodied yet beautifully layered, it fills the palate with ripe, refined tannins and refreshing acidity that carries into a long, floating finish. Compared with the Ginestra, this wine shows more tension and citrus-toned lift. Around 16,000 bottles were produced. Drink 2027-2045." 04/26

94 Points, Michaela Morris, Decanter: "Compliments to Gianluca Grasso for his dynamic Barolo duo in 2022. They are of equal merit, and while the Casa Maté may possess a bit more density and power, I love the elegance and salivating character that the Gavarini Chiniera exudes. It opens with essences of rose and lavender, followed by nutmeg and damp forest floor. An intense mouthful of dark red berry and grenadine bursts with purity, while tannins add subtle drama without taking over. Underlying tangy acidity stimulates the appetite, and this will give a load of satisfaction over its drinking arch." 11/25

94 Points, Aldo Fiordelli, JamesSuckling.com: "A spicy wine with aromas of licorice, graphite, vanilla, lush red cherries and blood oranges. Full-bodied, velvety, slightly dusty and refreshing, with stunning savoriness. A bit bold but balanced. Drinkable now, but best from 2027." 01/26

95 Points, Monica Larner, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The Elio Grasso 2022 Barolo Gavarini Chiniera opens to dark fruit aromas of blackberry and wild plum followed by licorice and a pretty smoky note that reflects both its careful 30-month aging in large oak casks and the warmth of the vintage. A distinctive chalky mineral note emerges with time, speaking to this high-elevation site where limestone-rich soils meet the boundary between the Sant'Agata and Lequio formations at 450 meters above sea level. Framed by cooling forests, Gavarini Chiniera is known for producing Barolos of finesse and complexity, and that signature elegance remains intact despite the wine's generous fruit profile and 15% alcohol. I find more licorice in this vintage, along with a sweet cherry note that carries through the finish. Some 14,000 bottles were produced." 07/26