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Ready, but will improve,
The 2010 “Super Tuscans” were released to huge plaudits from across the industry and 2011 has produced a vintage that is in many cases just as fine – amongst the wines, Sassicaia has excelled. There is a nobility to the wine, with roasted herbs, plums, liquorice and just a touch of menthol.
Matthew Tipping - Private Account Manager
Matthew Tipping - Private Account Manager
Giuseppe Mascarello & Figli,
Ready, but will improve,
Giuseppe Mascarello & Figlio surely ranks as one of Barolo’s finest producers. The family business dates back to 1881. All the wines are traditionally made using a combination of epoxy-lined cement and stainless-steel cuves, before being aged in large Slavonian botte; capturing the vineyards' full expression.
From one of the finest vineyards in Monforte, Santo Stefano di Perno is an old-vine, iron-rich Barolo that displays luscious but trim classic tar and roses notes, balanced by a vibrant acidity. Laced with fine aromas of roses, wild berry and truffle. The palate offers notes of tobacco and white pepper. The finish is long and crisp with lively menthol notes on the close.
From one of the finest vineyards in Monforte, Santo Stefano di Perno is an old-vine, iron-rich Barolo that displays luscious but trim classic tar and roses notes, balanced by a vibrant acidity. Laced with fine aromas of roses, wild berry and truffle. The palate offers notes of tobacco and white pepper. The finish is long and crisp with lively menthol notes on the close.
Giovanni Rosso, Piedmont,
Ready, but will keep,
The 2010 vintage was perhaps more famous, yet young Davide Rosso reckons he made better wines in 2011. His Serralunga d'Alba is a blend of five or six vineyards dotted along the calcareous ridge, that together articulate the intrinsic character and quality of the village's Baroli. But then Davide is one of them, his family owning vines there and formerly selling off fruit for a century until he stepped up after leaving Alba’s Umberto 1 Oenology School to bottle the fruit, rather than give it away. A brilliant cranberry-red colour, this 2011 version is focused, despite the August heat, with a cool head of cold tea and strawberry, redcurrant and rose aromas. It's refined, delightfully poised, with great Ferrari-like ‘lines’. Fabulous transparency, a glinting cassis-note, racy acidity, exquisite balance and this has a sense of strutting about it. Difficult not to enjoy now, this will improve in bottle for a decade or so.
Since first bottling his family’s Serralunga d’Alba fruit in the late 1990s, Davide has rightly gained a reputation as one of the region’s finest (Nebbiolo) winemakers. He may not have the name or history of some of his famous neighbours but perhaps as a result he’s further incited to prove himself. That he is surely doing with a range of peerless Serralunga Baroli, traditionally and expertly made using stainless steel, cement and French oak botti. Fortune came his and his mother Ester’s way in 2011, as they inherited a hectare of Vigna Rionda — one of Serralunga’s top vineyards — completing the range perfectly
Since first bottling his family’s Serralunga d’Alba fruit in the late 1990s, Davide has rightly gained a reputation as one of the region’s finest (Nebbiolo) winemakers. He may not have the name or history of some of his famous neighbours but perhaps as a result he’s further incited to prove himself. That he is surely doing with a range of peerless Serralunga Baroli, traditionally and expertly made using stainless steel, cement and French oak botti. Fortune came his and his mother Ester’s way in 2011, as they inherited a hectare of Vigna Rionda — one of Serralunga’s top vineyards — completing the range perfectly
Bruno Giacosa,
Ready, but will improve,
A real triumph: this has elegant, cool, red fruit with notes of mint and coffee on the nose. It is sumptuous and mouth-filling, yet still retaining amazing elegance and coolness. Terrifically complex with notes of red summer fruits, grilled meats, smoke, chocolate and herbs among many others. The finish is long and fine.
Costanti,
Ready, but will keep,
Delightful red and black Sangiovese fruit, good ripeness and depth on the nose. More of the same with the addition of crisp acidity and ripe tannins on the palate, it’s all about the Sangiovese grosso fruit here, with notes of cherry, grilled meats and red currants. Good length and a harmonious finish, another great Brunello from Costanti, this will be at its best from its tenth birthday, but could be drunk from 2017.
Chris Pollington, Private Account Manager
Chris Pollington, Private Account Manager
Giuseppe Mascarello & Figli,
Ready, but will keep,
Mascarello's 2011 Barolo Monprivato is a graceful, voluminous wine. Laced with notes of red cherry, raspberry, mint, white pepper and orange peel, all wrapped in polished tannins. The 2011 is an excellent choice to drink while some of the more ageworthy recent vintages sleep in the cellar. It will offer a long and wide drinking window of pure pleasure over the next years to 2025.
Lisini, Tuscany,
Ready, but will keep,
One of Montalcino’s oldest estates, dating back to the time of the Medicis, Lisini is known more recently as one of the founding fathers of the Brunello di Montalcino Consorzio in the 1960s. The Clementi-Lisini family, at the 154-hectare property near Sant’Angelo in Colle (with 20 hectares are under vine), make a thoroughly traditional range that builds on ancient Eocene sand, clay and iron-rich soils; wines that were first bottled in 1967. Oenologist Filippo Paoletti stands guard over the estate’s pre-eminent position.
Lisini's Brunelli remain among our most traditional; in youth they are focused, quite serious, with crunchy-cool poise, and an almost Burgundian, herbal, cassis edge in 2011. Yet it opens up more on the palate, after 3.5 years’ oak-ageing after all, with juicy currants, gleaming cranberry-purity, cleansing acidity, red cherries, thick redcurrant-skins.
Lisini's Brunelli remain among our most traditional; in youth they are focused, quite serious, with crunchy-cool poise, and an almost Burgundian, herbal, cassis edge in 2011. Yet it opens up more on the palate, after 3.5 years’ oak-ageing after all, with juicy currants, gleaming cranberry-purity, cleansing acidity, red cherries, thick redcurrant-skins.
E.Pira di Chiara Boschis, Piedmont,
Ready, but will improve,
Darker cherry and brambly in character, with plum ice-cream, the 2011 Cannubi has great power of fruit on the palate. It shares the E.Pira trait of being cool, with a certain hint of Italian summer herbs, full-bodied and tannic on the finish.
E.Pira was one of Barolo’s most historical producers until the Boschis family bought it in 1980, transforming it overnight into one of its most modern. Chiara Boschis is at the helm, producing fruit-forward wines that give you more of everything: more extract, colour, acidity, alcohol and oak. She mollycoddles her organic vineyards as if they’re her children. Recently joined by her brother, Giorgio, the estate has now grown to 8.5 hectares.
E.Pira was one of Barolo’s most historical producers until the Boschis family bought it in 1980, transforming it overnight into one of its most modern. Chiara Boschis is at the helm, producing fruit-forward wines that give you more of everything: more extract, colour, acidity, alcohol and oak. She mollycoddles her organic vineyards as if they’re her children. Recently joined by her brother, Giorgio, the estate has now grown to 8.5 hectares.
Trediberri, Piedmont,
Ready, but will keep,
Thanks to the likes of Trediberri and Roberto Voerzio, Rocche dell'Annunziata is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the Langhe's unofficial Grand Cru vineyards. Located in the sweet spot of La Morra, the vineyard is in a natural amphitheatre that has perfect aspect, altitude and soil composition of sand, clay and silt – similar indeed to that of Cannubi. Only a tiny quantity is made by the Oberto family – 1,080 bottles – which is traditionally fermented for 27 days and aged in smaller oak due to the quantity available. Backed by old vines, this is on another planet compared to their Barolo: emphatic with rosehip, rich with red cherry-stone sapidity, of mocha and tea, it's self-assured with a calm presence. One acknowledges the richer texture, the fuller weight, the (Grand Cru) kirsch quality to the loganberry-fruit. It's sumptuous and supple thanks to the small amount of oak; hedonistic yet cool.
Trediberri’s ‘tre’ are father and son, Federico and Nicola Oberto, along with their associate and friend Vladimiro Rambaldi. Their story began only in 2008 with the purchase of five hectares of vines in the hamlet of Berri, close to La Morra, which – together with close to two hectares of the mighty Rocche dell’Annunziata vineyard in front of their cantina – convinced Nicola to give up finance and turn to the trowel.
Trediberri’s ‘tre’ are father and son, Federico and Nicola Oberto, along with their associate and friend Vladimiro Rambaldi. Their story began only in 2008 with the purchase of five hectares of vines in the hamlet of Berri, close to La Morra, which – together with close to two hectares of the mighty Rocche dell’Annunziata vineyard in front of their cantina – convinced Nicola to give up finance and turn to the trowel.
Trediberri, Piedmont,
Ready, but will keep,
Drawn from their young Berri vineyard in the village of La Morra overlooking the Tanaro river, this traditional Barolo is vinified for 18 days on the skins before ageing in 25-hectolitre botti. It has an engagingly-bright, pale-red colour, a nose that sings (with a bit of air) of rosehip, bergamot and even of strawberry ripple. Their La Morra roots show through with the earthy red fruit, mixed spice, hints of orange peel, of tea-leaf and quinine. It's eager to please, openhearted and sincere; alive with charmingly-fleshy strawberry-fruit. This is on the lighter side due to the younger vines, but a joy to behold.
Trediberri’s ‘tre’ are father and son, Federico and Nicola Oberto, along with their associate and friend Vladimiro Rambaldi. Their story began only in 2008 with the purchase of five hectares of vines in the hamlet of Berri, close to La Morra, which – together with close to two hectares of the mighty Rocche dell’Annunziata vineyard in front of their cantina – convinced Nicola to give up finance and turn to the trowel.
Trediberri’s ‘tre’ are father and son, Federico and Nicola Oberto, along with their associate and friend Vladimiro Rambaldi. Their story began only in 2008 with the purchase of five hectares of vines in the hamlet of Berri, close to La Morra, which – together with close to two hectares of the mighty Rocche dell’Annunziata vineyard in front of their cantina – convinced Nicola to give up finance and turn to the trowel.
Fratelli Alessandria, Piedmont,
Ready, but will keep,
The flagship Alessandria vineyard, Monvigliero, sits plum in the mid-slope of this natural amphitheatre. Pale rose-garnet, it's very focused, holds a cool gaze, with crunchy, red cassis, a note of sandalwood, of power, yet also of refinement. A shy, discreet wine, it'll need coaxing out. The palate's noticeably more structured and mineral than the sandy San Lorenzo, but then Monvigliero is slightly higher, and richer with chalk and silt (as opposed to sand). Don’t hurry, this is a keeper.
Vittore and his cousin Alessandro continue to fine-tune this historic 19th-century Barolo estate, based in the village of Verduno. Indeed it’s Verduno’s location — close to the sandy Roero with some chalk in the soil and proximate to the Tanaro river running below— that gives the village’s wines a trademark softness and perfumed charm; an authentic expression that the Alessandria family is keen to emphasise through its wines.
Vittore and his cousin Alessandro continue to fine-tune this historic 19th-century Barolo estate, based in the village of Verduno. Indeed it’s Verduno’s location — close to the sandy Roero with some chalk in the soil and proximate to the Tanaro river running below— that gives the village’s wines a trademark softness and perfumed charm; an authentic expression that the Alessandria family is keen to emphasise through its wines.
Cascina Luisin, Piedmont,
Ready, but will keep,
The 2011 vintage is the first release of the Minuto family’s Barbaresco Asili, from their tiny handkerchief square of vines (0.6 hectares), comprising 55-year-old vines. There is more sand in Asili, contributing a fine texture, along with mentholated, ripe, small, strawberry fruit. It's so pretty, so suave, with impeccable lines, and quasi-perfect balance; a joy, but still in its relative youth. It should age beautifully if you can wait.
One of the oldest, and finest Barbaresco estates, Cascina Luisin is located close to the village itself, overlooking its prime vineyard of Rabajà. Son Roberto is gradually filling the shoes of his father Luigi Minuto: there has been a renovation of the large oak botti, with Austrian Stockinger oak, along with a new family reserves cellar for all those magnificent old bottles. Alongside the pretty Barbaresco Paolin and more structured Rabajà, this year we are offering the first release of their old-vine Asili.
One of the oldest, and finest Barbaresco estates, Cascina Luisin is located close to the village itself, overlooking its prime vineyard of Rabajà. Son Roberto is gradually filling the shoes of his father Luigi Minuto: there has been a renovation of the large oak botti, with Austrian Stockinger oak, along with a new family reserves cellar for all those magnificent old bottles. Alongside the pretty Barbaresco Paolin and more structured Rabajà, this year we are offering the first release of their old-vine Asili.
Cascina Luisin, Piedmont,
Ready, but will keep,
From the heavy marne soils overlooking the Tanaro river below, Rabajà is one of Barbaresco's top vineyards, a Grand Cru in all but name. The Minuto family have a couple of parcels, both facing south-west, so catching the afternoon warmth. Thank goodness then in 2011 for the refreshing, air-conditioning breezes that spiralled up from the river, fanning the fruit. Bottled in August 2014, from vines with an average 35 years in age, the colour alone conjures up rich, red sunsets. A bigger presence than the more delicate Asili, Rabajà is emphatic, still brooding in youth but promising much in the years to come. Cool feet, swollen summer fruit, it's a wine with more structure, so should age well.
One of the oldest, and finest Barbaresco estates, Cascina Luisin is located close to the village itself, overlooking its prime vineyard of Rabajà. Son Roberto is gradually filling the shoes of his father Luigi Minuto: there has been a renovation of the large oak botti, with Austrian Stockinger oak, along with a new family reserves cellar for all those magnificent old bottles. Alongside the pretty Barbaresco Paolin and more structured Rabajà, this year we are offering the first release of their old-vine Asili.
One of the oldest, and finest Barbaresco estates, Cascina Luisin is located close to the village itself, overlooking its prime vineyard of Rabajà. Son Roberto is gradually filling the shoes of his father Luigi Minuto: there has been a renovation of the large oak botti, with Austrian Stockinger oak, along with a new family reserves cellar for all those magnificent old bottles. Alongside the pretty Barbaresco Paolin and more structured Rabajà, this year we are offering the first release of their old-vine Asili.
Giovanni Rosso, Piedmont,
Ready, but will keep,
Since first bottling his family’s Serralunga d’Alba fruit in the late 1990s, Davide has rightly gained a reputation as one of the region’s finest (Nebbiolo) winemakers. He may not have the name or history of some of his famous neighbours but perhaps as a result he’s further incited to prove himself. That he is surely doing, with a range of peerless Serralunga Baroli, traditionally and expertly made using stainless steel, cement and French oak botti.
Pale garnet, this is decidedly cool-headed, with composed, cranberry, sea-salt poise. More aloof and distant than the gregarious Cerretta, Serra is very refined, with taut, red-berried fruit – it represents the essence of Serralunga Baroli. There is a rose transparency to the palate, along with plenty of energy and zip, while it seems that raspberry essence clings deliciously to the bracing acidity. Painfully good, this is one to tuck away for the years to come.
Pale garnet, this is decidedly cool-headed, with composed, cranberry, sea-salt poise. More aloof and distant than the gregarious Cerretta, Serra is very refined, with taut, red-berried fruit – it represents the essence of Serralunga Baroli. There is a rose transparency to the palate, along with plenty of energy and zip, while it seems that raspberry essence clings deliciously to the bracing acidity. Painfully good, this is one to tuck away for the years to come.
Morella, Puglia,
Ready, but will keep,
Fine notes of black fruit, spice and flowers, with the merest hint of oak are the components of the fine and complex bouquet. Plush, rich and mouth-filling on the palate, the ripe blackberry, spicy fruit has a wonderful texture. The finish is long and wonderfully elegant for such a voluminous wine, with great balance and finesse. This is among our favourite wines made from Primitivo (or as it is known elsewhere, Zinfandel) in the world.
Lisa Gilbee left Adelaide’s Roseworthy oenological college in 1990 and headed to Italy where she worked in Emilia-Romagna, the Veneto and Tuscany. It was in 2000, during a spell in Sicily sourcing fruit, that she met Gaetano Morella, a pugnacious but passionate Puglian from Barletta with old-vine Primitivo in the hot-spot of Manduria. Its flat, red-loamover-limestone soils reminded her of Australia, and in 2001 the Morella cantina was born (along with two children, Matilda and Anton). Now they focus on two old-vine Primitivo vineyards: Old Vine and La Signora, both farmed biodynamically since 2009.
Lisa Gilbee left Adelaide’s Roseworthy oenological college in 1990 and headed to Italy where she worked in Emilia-Romagna, the Veneto and Tuscany. It was in 2000, during a spell in Sicily sourcing fruit, that she met Gaetano Morella, a pugnacious but passionate Puglian from Barletta with old-vine Primitivo in the hot-spot of Manduria. Its flat, red-loamover-limestone soils reminded her of Australia, and in 2001 the Morella cantina was born (along with two children, Matilda and Anton). Now they focus on two old-vine Primitivo vineyards: Old Vine and La Signora, both farmed biodynamically since 2009.
Roberto Voerzio,
Ready, but will improve,
This 6 bottle case contains wines from the 2011 vintage
1x 75cl Roberto Voerzio 1x Brunate
Voerzio's 2011 Barolo is a real head-turner. Weightless and gracious on the palate, yet blessed with tons of pure explosive energy, the Brunate captivates all the senses with its dazzling intensity and precision. The tannins are formidable, yet there is so much purity in the fruit they are barely evident at all. The Brunate has been stellar on both occassions I tasted it prior to bottling. Readers should put the Brunate on their short lists for 2011, as this looks to be one of the wines of the vintage. Drink 2019-2032
94-96/100 Antonio Galloni
2x 75cl Roberto Voerzio Barolo La Serra
In 2011, the Barolo Le Serra benefits from its slightly higher elevation and cooler micro-climate, both of which give the wine an added element of freshness that is needed. Dark red stone fruits, flowers, spices and leather are all supported by the characteristic firm La Serra tannins, but the 2011 has a little more mid-palate depth and overall volume that serves to balance some of the angular contours that can be present. A gorgeous and complete wine, the La Serra is also an overachiever in 2011. Drink 2017-2030
95/100 Antonio Galloni
3x 75cl Roberto Barolo Voerzio Annunziata
Another exotic, beguiling beauty, the 2011 Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata captivates all the senses with its stunning bouquet, silky fruit and racy, voluptuous personality, all signatures of this great La Morra site. As always, the Rocche is a feminine, gracious wine that showcases the more finessed site of Nebbiolo. The Rocche also drinks well pretty much upon release, which I expect will be the case here as well. Drink 2016-2031
95/100 Antonio Galloni
1x 75cl Roberto Voerzio 1x Brunate
Voerzio's 2011 Barolo is a real head-turner. Weightless and gracious on the palate, yet blessed with tons of pure explosive energy, the Brunate captivates all the senses with its dazzling intensity and precision. The tannins are formidable, yet there is so much purity in the fruit they are barely evident at all. The Brunate has been stellar on both occassions I tasted it prior to bottling. Readers should put the Brunate on their short lists for 2011, as this looks to be one of the wines of the vintage. Drink 2019-2032
94-96/100 Antonio Galloni
2x 75cl Roberto Voerzio Barolo La Serra
In 2011, the Barolo Le Serra benefits from its slightly higher elevation and cooler micro-climate, both of which give the wine an added element of freshness that is needed. Dark red stone fruits, flowers, spices and leather are all supported by the characteristic firm La Serra tannins, but the 2011 has a little more mid-palate depth and overall volume that serves to balance some of the angular contours that can be present. A gorgeous and complete wine, the La Serra is also an overachiever in 2011. Drink 2017-2030
95/100 Antonio Galloni
3x 75cl Roberto Barolo Voerzio Annunziata
Another exotic, beguiling beauty, the 2011 Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata captivates all the senses with its stunning bouquet, silky fruit and racy, voluptuous personality, all signatures of this great La Morra site. As always, the Rocche is a feminine, gracious wine that showcases the more finessed site of Nebbiolo. The Rocche also drinks well pretty much upon release, which I expect will be the case here as well. Drink 2016-2031
95/100 Antonio Galloni
Marcarini, Piedmont,
Ready, but will keep,
Marcarini's is a true interpretation of this breezy vineyard high up the La Morra escarpment: highlyperfumed with an intoxicating mix of incense, spice, tea, tobacco and dried rose, it's very whimsical. Difficult to pin down, elusive and ethereal, it's earthy yet also layered with rose petals – charming even in youth.
Manuel assumes charge of the defiantly traditional, 12-hectare Marcarini estate, along with his three children. Central to this historic, 19th-century cantina, based in central La Morra, with sweeping views over their vineyards below, are the two Barolo vineyards – La Serra and Brunate, of which they own fine plots.
Manuel assumes charge of the defiantly traditional, 12-hectare Marcarini estate, along with his three children. Central to this historic, 19th-century cantina, based in central La Morra, with sweeping views over their vineyards below, are the two Barolo vineyards – La Serra and Brunate, of which they own fine plots.
Cascina Mario Fontana, Piedmont,
Ready, but will keep,
It was his grandfather Saverio who reminded Mario of the merits of producing Barolo with one's own Nebbiolo fruit, rather than buying from those around. Mario took this lesson to heart, building on Saverio's legacy. He's gone a step further in 2011, introducing a battery of cement tanks in which to marry the wine – a blend of fruit from Castiglione Falletto and La Morra – prior to bottling. This has definitely given the 2011 Barolo a more relaxed, harmonious feel: dark strawberry-garnet, the nose charms with joyful summer fruit, of raspberry and strawberry, along with a hint of quinine and orange peel. It's very relaxed and civil, like Mario, yet with a more serious kernel of intensity, a tea-leaf and bergamot fragrance, a sense of purpose, of profoundness, sapid and long.
Sixth-generation Barolo producer Mario Fontana set out on his own in 1995, and since then has been refining his Dolcetto, Barbera and Nebbiolo wines with each year that passes. His Barolo is arguably the most Burgundian of our range, with delicacy and gentleness that comes from reasonable yields, traditional vinification, maturation in large Slavonian oak for 24 months and having one’s feet on the ground. He has just planted another hectare in the village of Sinio, taking the total to five hectares (the others being in Castiglione Falletto and La Morra, the latter belonging to his wife Luisa).
Sixth-generation Barolo producer Mario Fontana set out on his own in 1995, and since then has been refining his Dolcetto, Barbera and Nebbiolo wines with each year that passes. His Barolo is arguably the most Burgundian of our range, with delicacy and gentleness that comes from reasonable yields, traditional vinification, maturation in large Slavonian oak for 24 months and having one’s feet on the ground. He has just planted another hectare in the village of Sinio, taking the total to five hectares (the others being in Castiglione Falletto and La Morra, the latter belonging to his wife Luisa).
Il Poggione,
Ready, but will keep,
Il Poggione is one of the stars of Brunello di Montalcino, perfectly combining lovely modern-style fruit with freshness and verve. Lovely and fleshy on the nose with that quintessential, tell-tale Sangiovese meatiness, underpinned with notes of redcurrants.
Supple and fleshy on the palate too, spicy red and black fruit notes, mouth-watering acidity and fine, well-integrated tannins. Very good and tempting to drink now, but it will repay a few years in the cellar with more harmony and roundness. Drink 2018-2023.
Chris Pollington, Private Account Manager
Supple and fleshy on the palate too, spicy red and black fruit notes, mouth-watering acidity and fine, well-integrated tannins. Very good and tempting to drink now, but it will repay a few years in the cellar with more harmony and roundness. Drink 2018-2023.
Chris Pollington, Private Account Manager
Ornellaia,
Ready, but will improve,
Ornellaia is predominantly a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot adding the seasoning to the wine. It is one of the two signature wines of Tenuta Dell’Ornellaia, the other being the 100 percent Merlot: Masseto. Winemaker Axel Heinz’s use of this Bordeaux blend grown on the Tuscan coast has made this wine a highly-anticipated favourite amongst wine lovers. This vintage has been described by the winemakers as of a quality similar to the great 2001, but even more sophisticated. It is a wine with a rich plum core, polished and intriguing with tobacco and liquorice adding further complexity to the perfectly composed palate.
Matthew Tipping - Private Account Manager
Matthew Tipping - Private Account Manager
Punset, Piedmont,
Ready, but will improve,
We love the way Marina’s wines stay true to their provenance and vintage, clearly highlighting the differences and making them a delight to drink. The 2011 Campo Quadro is a case in point: the baked camphor, potpourri, dates and dried herbal notes recall the hot, dry 2011 vintage perfectly.
Yet the San Cristoforo Campo Quadro vineyard has kept its head, being that much more elevated, revealing a juicy, strawberry core of “sweet” red fruit, freshness and a slightly lower alcohol level than one might expect. This is aged in tonneaux and barriques, none new.
Drink 2016-2026.
Yet the San Cristoforo Campo Quadro vineyard has kept its head, being that much more elevated, revealing a juicy, strawberry core of “sweet” red fruit, freshness and a slightly lower alcohol level than one might expect. This is aged in tonneaux and barriques, none new.
Drink 2016-2026.
Roagna, Piedmont,
Ready, but will improve,
Roagna’s tiny plot was acquired in 1971, with Luca releasing it properly from 2004. It’s one of Barbaresco’s most celebrated expressions, from calcareous, sand and silty soils on a well-ventilated hillock, south-west facing, not far from the Tanaro river. Pale, bright and red-rose in colour, the nose thrills with a mass of tiny red berries, raspberry ripple, wild strawberry and white stone notes. It’s juicy, possessing natural balance, backed by limestone tannins, driven by great energy and pace. This needs a few years to reveal all, but is such an exciting prospect.
The Gaja family decided to move their bottling date forward in order to preserve the integrity and freshness of fruit in this warm vintage. This move has helped to avoid overripe sensations. In fact, Langhe Sperss seems fresh and tonic. This bodes exceptionally well for its aging potential.
95/100 Monica Larner, eRobertParker.com #219 Jun 2015