Elio Grasso, Barolo Ginestra Casa Mate, 2004

Ginestra Casa Mate is one of the benchmark Barolos of Monforte d'Alba, and this 2004 from a classic, structured vintage has had two decades to come into its own. Elio Grasso farms south-facing vines on clay-limestone soils at 300 to 350 meters, fermenting in stainless steel and aging in large Slavonian oak casks, the traditional Piedmont approach that prizes Nebbiolo's transparency over oak influence. The 2004 vintage produced age-worthy, structured Barolos, and this bottle is now in a mature, beautifully developed window. From a private collection, for lovers of classic, terroir-driven Nebbiolo at full maturity.