2011
Wine Searcher: 2011 was generally a better year for cooler climate wines over warmer and hotter climate wines. Italy enjoyed a very good year.
Piedmont:
WS: Drink or Hold – Rich, fleshy Barolos and balanced Barbarescos; the best have vibrant structures for aging. A fine year for Barbera.
JR: A very hot year which has nevertheless resulted in some very good, supple, ripe but not stewed wines, even if at times the higher alcohol (15% and sometimes more) make some of them unbalanced.
Tuscany/Chianti:
WS: Drink or Hold – Wines are ripe and rich, yet vibrant.
JR: Many wines are rich, but fortunately still have enough freshness, although it is doubtful that this will remain during prolonged bottle ageing.