TIME TO BUY?
G.B. Burlotto, Barolo, Monvigliero 2013
The 2013 is simply a phenomenal wine and a towering achievement from Fabio Alessandria.
Antonio Galloni, vinous.com, November 2019
G.B. Burlotto, Barolo, Monvigliero 2013
£1,800 per 6-bottle case in bond
Why ‘Time to Buy?’?
Value, value everywhere…. but when will the market turn? This is the simplest summary of where the fine wine market is. There are numerous compelling offers on exceptional wines at prices of yesteryear, offers on wines whose reputation has only grown over the years, and wines where the volume accessible in the market has dwindled on account of consumption. Steadily clients have started picking off cases to add to their reserves, sometimes buying a specific wine they have never bought before, sometimes averaging down if they previously bought a case at a higher price, noting that the landscape has changed, but the rationale for purchasing that drew them to a specific wine several years back still runs true today. Some clients are understandably cautious, hanging back waiting to see the upward curve before venturing back in. And then there are the new entrants, who without any reserves, can take advantage of what is highly likely to be regarded as a great window of opportunity with the clarity that comes with hindsight.
The purpose of these ‘Time to buy?’ offers is just that, to ask the question, to provide you with the background, and to allow you to decide with the facts in front of you.
Today’s Offer
Inspired by a bottle of Burlotto Langhe Nebbiolo 2020 I had earlier this week, I took a look at the current market for Burlotto's most revered wine, Monvigliero and today’s offer focuses on one of the truly outstanding Barolo from the highly-lauded 2013 vintage. Burlotto's Monvigliero is a Barolo of extraordinary quality and finesse, made in a traditional style with exceptional sensitivity and attention to detail as can be seen from the notes of Antonio Galloni and Monica Larner below.
The Liv-ex chart below plots the path of Burlotto Monvigliero 2013 vintage since its release. Please note the red dots on the graph signify trades between merchants on the Liv-ex exchange, to which commission, handling etc and a margin would be added to arrive at a selling price. Liv-ex currently show a Liv-ex Market Price is currently £1,800 per 6 bottle case in bond (dark blue line) and the Liv-ex Average List Price is currently £2,794.50 per 6 bottle.
At a glance this looks to have been relatively unaffected by the volatility that has affected so many other leading wines, with a line of best fit showing a steady upward trajectory that one would expect for a wine of this calibre and limited production. Nevertheless, our price is 40% down from its Market Price peak of £3,025 per 6 bottles in September 2022 and 54% down from peak Average List Price of £3,909 per 6 bottle case.
G.B. Burlotto, Barolo, Monvigliero 2013
£1,800 per 6-bottle case in bond
100 points, Antonio Galloni, vinous.com, November 2019
Burlotto’s 2013 Barolo Monvigliero is a wine I like to serve at dinners like this one, as I know most people may never taste it, which is a shame. Of course, the 2013 is young, but its profound greatness is evident in the early going, The interplay of aromatics, fruit and structure really brings out the stunning beauty of the Monvigliero cru. The 2013 is simply a phenomenal wine and a towering achievement from Fabio Alessandria.
100 points, Antonio Galloni, vinous.com, February 2017
Burlotto's 2013 Barolo Monvigliero is simply magnificent. In many vintages, a young Monvigliero can come across as disjointed, especially in the aromatics and the pungent, savory notes can be overpowering. Not in 2013. All the elements are in perfect balance. A wine of soaring aromatic intensity, pedigree and class, the 2013 is thrilling from the very first taste. Rose petal, lavender, violet, spice, orange peel, white pepper and cinnamon are some of the many notes that infuse the super-expressive finish. All of Burlotto's 2013 Barolos are exceptional. But the Monvigliero, well, it enters the realm of the deeply moving. It is a wine that will leave readers weak at the knees.
From 2013 Barolo: Sublime Finesse & Elegance (Feb 2017), Antonio Galloni
These are quite simply the finest wines I have ever tasted from Burlotto. Over the last decade or so, proprietor Fabio Alessandria has stepped up quality in a meaningful way. The various entry-level wines are now consistently terrific, while the Cannubi Barolo is now stylistically inline with the other Barolos. Although it is not the most expensive Barolo in the range (the Cannubi has that distinction, for historical reasons) the Monvigliero is, in my view, the flagship. That wine is off the charts in 2013. The challenge with the Monvigliero has always been avoiding excessive vegetal notes from the whole clusters. The 2013 is the first young Burlotto Monvigliero I have tasted where the balance is right on the money from the very beginning. Readers should not miss these extraordinary, traditionally made Barolos.
97+ points, Monica Larner, robertparker.com, June 2018
The 2013 Barolo Monvigliero is indeed a special wine that excels in terms of elegance and ethereal momentum. It's impossible to ignore its charm and seductive powers. This wine was released one year ago, but the folks at Comm. G.B. Burlotto preferred not to send samples for review at that time. I was able to taste this beautiful wine during my visit to the estate this year. This vintage of Monvigliero glides smooth and high over the senses, imparting fine notes of cassis, wild berry and anise seed. There is a lasting note of white truffle with tangy ginger and rhubarb. The wine offers volume and largess in the mouth with substantial textural fiber. The bright acidity adds energy and zest to the finish. This wine dances with the grace and muscle of a centerstage ballerina. Drink 2020-2050
Please let us know if you are interested, or reach out if you want to discuss the market in greater depth and the opportunities it presents with a member of our team.
Richard
richard.omahony@atlasfinewines.com