Walter Speller, journalist, Italy-enthusiast, correspondent for jancisrobinson.com at Nebbiolo Prima 2012, has laid out his enthusiasm for the wines of the Rivetto – Cordero double-vertical tasting, in black and white.

You can find the full article on Purple Pages by Jancis Robinson (subscription only), but here we are offering you an extract comprising his review of our wines.

Rivetto, Speciale Riserva 1964 Barolo 16.5 Drink 1984-2018

Mid amber. Very savoury and meaty and malty. Treacle and a touch of Guinness. Hints of raisins, roses and iron. Opens up in the glass, and doesn’t fade at all. Less aromatic on the palate with lively acidity supporting fine raisiny fruit. Underlying, powdery tannin. Quite brief, but impressive. (WS) 13%

Rivetto 1978 Barolo 16 Drink 1988-2004

Pale, brickstone ruby. Sweet undergrowth, malt, black bread, chinotto and vibrant sweetness. Waxy acidity on a gentle, very light palate. (WS) 13%

Rivetto 1985 Barolo 16 Drink 1995-2020

Brickstone ruby. Concentrated, sweet malty dried fruit, and a little waxy/oxidative. Sweetness and freshness, with lovely refreshing acidity but not very complex, and still with a bold dose of tannin. (WS) 13%

Rivetto 1994 Barolo 16 Drink 2000-2010

Mid ruby with broad brickstone rim. Surprisingly powerful and meaty dried fruit. Merest suggestion of shoe polish and bitter chocolate. Aromatic, herbal cola finish with very fine acidity and powdery tannin. First signs of oxidation. (WS) 13.5%

Rivetto, Leon 1999 Barolo 17.5 Drink 2009-2030

Mid ruby with broad orange rim. Fine nose of Nebbiolo fruit, much more compelling than the over-the-top 1999 Cordero di Montezemolo shown at the same time. Elegant and with succulent acidity. Has real bevilità. (WS) 14.5%