Daily pumpovers, submerged-cap maceration lasts 20-25 days, depending on the vintage. Aged 1 year in 8-year-old 225-L barrels, then a second year in 10-year-old 40-HL Slavonian oak botti. After two years of aging, racked to stainless steel for 1-2 months before bottling. Aged 4 months in bottle before release.
"I recently sat with Massimo Benevelli at a belated KLWM 50th anniversary celebration, where several aged bottles emerged from Kermit’s cellar. When one of Massimo’s 2014 Baroli was poured, he seemed slightly anxious at first. It was not, he told me, an easy year in the region. But as we sniffed and tasted it, he relaxed and smiled. The wine was spectacular—as my colleagues and I knew it would be because, like all great producers, Benevelli is able to consistently make great reds even in challenging vintages. Vintage 2019 was much more favorable in Barolo, and while charming now, Le Coste di Monforte will reward you for many years to come." - Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant
91+ points, "The 2019 Barolo Le Coste di Monforte is redolent of dried herbs, leather, tobacco, menthol, pine, dried rose petal and spice. The aromatics are quite pretty, but like all these wines, the Le Coste is not fully expressive at this stage. Searingly tannic and potent." -Vinous Media