2012 - Barolo Bussia Cascina Dardi, Alessandro e Gian Natale Fantino

Fantino's 2012 Barolo Bussia Cascina Dardi is a total knock-out. Rose petal, mint, kirsch, ripe red cherry, licorice and fennel open up first, but it is the wine's superb intensity and definition that are truly remarkable, especially in this vintage. Deceptive in its mid-weight structure, the Barolo Bussia Cascina Dardi is one of the more open 2012s readers will come across, an impression that is enhanced by the high-toned aromatics. Layers of intense red-fleshed fruit fill out the wine's frame effortlessly. At times, the 2012 comes across as delicate, while in other moments a more raw, almost animal expression of Nebbiolo takes over. It will be interesting to see where the 2012 ultimately ends up. For now, what is certain is that the 2012 needs time to show all of its cards. The 2012 was fermented in steel and aged in cask.