2020 Elio Grasso Barolos: Critical Darlings at Sharp Pricing 

2020 Elio Grasso "Gavarini Chiniera" Barolo (Pre-Arrival) ($99.99)

97 points Vinous: "The 2020 Barolo Gavarini Chiniera is a heady, almost exotic wine. Harvest took place on October 17, very late for the year. Hard candy, kirsch, menthol, dried rose petal, mint and blood orange infuse the 2020 with striking depth. The tannins, often incisive here, are remarkably polished. A wine of beautiful nuance and persistence, the 2020 Gavarini is not the most obvious wine in this range, but it could very well be the classiest. Don't miss it! (AG)" (11/2023)

97 points Jeb Dunnuck: "From 35-year-old vines and boasting a jeweled red color, the 2020 Barolo Gavarini Chiniera is ripe and fruity on the nose, with a lot of spice to balance it out, revealing notes of baked red cherries, leather, toasted cedar, pine, and menthol. Medium-bodied, it offers a lot of freshness on the palate, with fine, approachable tannins and good, even freshness and acidity. Compared to the Case Mate, it has a more linear feel and offers a clean stony texture and more orange citrus fruit. It feels very balanced, and while it has a stamp of oak spice, its well-integrated. Give this another six months or so in bottle and drink it over the next 15 or more years. (AF)" (05/2024)

95 points Wine Advocate: "Showing a slightly heavier fruit profile from the hot vintage, the Elio Grasso 2020 Barolo Gavarini Chiniera has aromas of strawberry tart with gelatin; there is also a dark tarry note and clean earthy tones. You don't get the floral aromas as much in this wine. The wine is very focused on fruit and earth, with some background spice. It finishes smooth and with length, showing good acidity, and the tannins are present but not overwhelming. (ML)" (04/2024)

94 points James Suckling: "Dense ruby color. Fresh floral character of roses and violets with pomegranate fruit, licorice and spices. On the palate there are velvety tannins, crisp acidity and a biting yet not dry finish. Medium-bodied and quite warming at the end." (05/2024)

2020 Elio Grasso "Ginestra Casa Maté" Barolo (Pre-Arrival) ($99.99)

96 points Vinous: "The 2020 Barolo Ginestra Casa Matè is gorgeous. Aromatically captivating and nuanced, the 2020 impresses right out of the gate. All the classic Ginestra signatures are present. Today the tannins are pretty imposing in the positive sense, as they are present, but also impeccably balanced within the wine's frame. This is impressive stuff. The substantial, balsamic-infused Ginestra finish is captivating. (AG)" (11/2023)

96 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2020 Barolo Ginestra Casa Mate is sourced from 65-year-old vines planted in clay-rich soils and displays a deeper transparent ruby color. On the nose, a spicier profile emerges, with notes of licorice, balsamic, cherry liqueur, smoky earth, and pipe tobacco. It shows off a broader and rounder feel on the palate and is fleshy with plush, sweet tannins and a clean, balanced finish. This wine is more approachable in this vintage, and its already drinking well. (AF)" (05/2024)

95 points James Suckling: "Notes of ripe cherries and red plums with hints of sandalwood and licorice. Medium-bodied with firm tannins. Its structured and focused with complexity and depth. Ripe and vivid fruit in the middle with a dry, polished finish." (05/2024)

94 points Wine Advocate: "The Elio Grasso 2020 Barolo Ginestra Casa Maté reveals a leaner, more streamlined mouthfeel compared to past vintages (especially compared to the far more concentrated 2019 vintage). The wine shows pretty brightness with wild berry, underripe cranberry, potting soil and sour cherry. Theres a wild hint of Eastern European dill or crushed mint as well. This edition is slightly more accessible overall with an open-knit approach and granular tannins. (ML)" (04/2024)