I have reviewed two wines from Giuseppe Rinaldi, from the 1961 to 1964 vintages, all from Barolo. All are Nebbiolo. Scores range from 94 to 94, averaging 94; the highest is the 1964 Giuseppe Rinaldi Barolo (94 points). Giuseppe Rinaldi also features in two journal articles on this site.
Known as “Citrico” for his sharp wit, the late Beppe Rinaldi was a character, grouchy, brilliant and deeply philosophical, and one of the staunchest defenders of traditional Barolo. His daughters Marta and Carlotta carry on his legacy. The estate works with great crus such as Brunate, Le Coste and Ravera and holds to the old philosophy of blending sites for balance; its “Tre Tine” is a brooding, intellectual wine that demands time.
Fermentation takes place in old open-top wooden vats, followed by ageing in large Slavonian oak, and the barrique has no place here. Rinaldi Barolos are known for their rustic elegance: austere, deep and profoundly complex, not polished but raw and honest, and they need years of patience to reveal themselves.
Old vintages show what that patience brings. The 1961, from a legendary year, has a savory profile of leather and spice, while 1964, a perfect growing season, was the counterpoint: where ’61 was power, ’64 was elegance, silky, perfumed and seamless.
We just secured a cellar that frankly shouldn’t exist. This is a rare glimpse into the golden era of traditional Barolo, featuring pristine verticals of Bartolo Mascarello (including the legendary 1961 and 1978 Magnums), Bruno Giacosa’s Red Labels, and Giuseppe Rinaldi. Plus, we found a “miracle” parcel of 1976 & 1978 Borgogno Riserva—perfectly aged history at an unbeatable price. These are not just wines; they are survivors.
After a series of warmer, solar vintages, 2021 marks a majestic return to the “Alpine” soul of Nebbiolo. Defined by a long, snowy winter and a perfectly paced autumn, this is a vintage of noble austerity and breathtaking precision. These are not the open-knit wines of 2020; they are tension-filled, vertical, and built for the long haul. With “crunchy” red fruit, savory minerality, and a spine of vibrant acidity, 2021 is being hailed as the most complete and “classic” vintage since 2016—a year where the distinct terroir of each commune is rendered in high definition.
