Cappellano, Barolo Pie Rupestris, 2009

One of Barolo's most singular wines from one of its most uncompromising houses: Pie Rupestris comes from Nebbiolo grafted onto Rupestris rootstock in the Otin Fiorin parcel of the Gabutti cru, Serralunga d'Alba, and is 100% Serralunga in character - severe, authoritative, austere yet generous. Cappellano farms tiny quantities the old way, refusing scores and marketing on principle. The 2009 was a warm vintage and made the year Teobaldo Cappellano passed away (his son Augusto had already taken over winemaking), which adds poignancy. Now in a more open, approachable phase, it offers a relatively early window into this cult bottling.