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2020 Elio Grasso "Rüncot" Barolo Riserva

2020 Elio Grasso "Rüncot" Barolo Riserva

98JD
98VN
96JS
96RP
95WS
$249.99

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Availability by location

Redwood City: 10 | San Francisco: 2 | Culver City: 2

98

Jeb Dunnuck

Reviewed April 2026
Pouring a deeper ruby color, the 2020 Barolo Riserva Rüncot is a powerful yet contemplative wine. Aromas of black raspberries, cedar, citrus oils, and dark stones unfold gradually from the glass. Medium- to full-bodied, it shows remarkable clarity and concentration without weight, with mineral depth and persistent energy across the palate. The oak spice is present yet beautifully integrated, adding complexity rather than dominance. Built for long aging, this exceptional Riserva will reward patience. Around 5,000 bottles were produced. Drink 2027-2057. (AF) 98+

Professional Reviews

98

Vinous

Review Date: 01/2026
The 2020 Barolo Riserva Rüncot is just as memorable as it was last year. More than anything else, the 2020 is a Rüncot that prizes finesse over just power. Silky tannins, mid-weight structure and striking delineation further amplify that initial impression. Readers should note that Elio Grasso is releasing the 2020 ahead of the 2019. I can't remember ever tasting a young Rüncot with such finesse. (EG) 98+

96

James Suckling

Review Date: 04/2026
Restrained and complex, showing licorice, mint, stony minerality, smoky wood and dried cherries. Full-bodied and round on the palate with a smooth attack, slightly dusty yet ripe tannins, prunes and black truffles. A graceful style with a savory finish. Deep and harmonious. Best after 2027. (AF)

96

Wine Advocate

Review Date: 01/2026
The Elio Grasso 2020 Barolo Riserva Rüncot offers a generous and layered profile with sweetness of fruit, rose, iris root, licorice and a distinctly solar character that makes it immediately engaging. There is notable volume and textural richness on the palate, where minerality and clay-driven power coexist, giving the wine both charm and depth. Drawn from a vineyard straddling Marne di Diano sandstone and Sant’Agata marl and fermented with two months of submerged-cap maceration followed by four years of aging in small oak and new barrique, this Riserva reflects extremely low yields and a deliberate choice to prioritize the charm of the vintage. (ML)

Notes

2020 Elio Grasso "Rüncot" Barolo Riserva The 2020 "Rüncot" is a powerful and aristocratic expression of the Ginestra cru, representing the pinnacle of Elio Grasso’s production. Historically, "Rüncot" is only produced in exceptional years, and the 2020 vintage—characterized by a late harvest and perfect ripening—delivers a wine of remarkable depth and polish. The nose is heady and captivating, bursting with aromas of kirsch, dark cherries, and plums layered with complex notes of menthol, licorice, and dried rose petals. As it opens, subtle hints of mocha, lavender, and blood orange emerge, reflecting its time spent in French oak. On the palate, it is full-bodied and extraordinarily rich, balancing its muscular "Monforte" structure with strikingly polished tannins and a vibrant, cooling acidity. The finish is exceptionally long and commanding, marked by a savory mineral snap and lingering balsamic undertones. While many Rüncot vintages are known for their "bass-driven" power and imposing tannins, the 2020 stands out for its surprising elegance and finesse, managing to remain light on its feet despite its immense concentration.

Details

OriginBarolo, Piedmont, Italy
Type/VarietalNebbiolo
SKU2028867