2010 - Barolo Vigne, Luciano Sandrone

The 2010 Barolo Le Vigne is brilliant. Focused and explosive in its aromatic intensity, the 2010 is fresh and wonderfully nuanced in the glass. It is also aging at a slower rate than the Cannubi Boschis. At nearly ten years of age, the 2010 is fresh, vibrant and so full of energy. It is also every bit as memorable as it was on release.

The 2010 Barolo Le Vigne is composed from an assembly of fruit sourced from the townships of Barolo, Novello and Serralunga d’Alba. It reflects Barolo tradition in which, years ago, this noble wine was made from a wide assembly of fruit instead of single cru sites (as is the custom today). Bright cherry fruit, blackberry and creme de cassis segue to profound layers of licorice, spice, cola and anisette. It feels strong and tonic in the mouth with a pleasingly velveteen texture and a fresh dose of zesty acidity. Drink: 2017-2030. Importer: Vintus Wines, www.vintuswines.com

‘Sibi et paucis’ stamped on the label: a small quantity of Sandrone’s Barolo bottlings are cellared and released 10 years later, or as the Sandrone website states: ‘sibi et paucis is the desire to free Nebbiolo's innate resistance to time … [it] is the result of the care we take with our wines as these privileged bottles mature in our cellar.’ Grapes comes from the Baudana, Cerviano-Merli, Vignane and Villero vineyards. Mid ruby. Dusty, minerally nose but not really showing a lot of development. Exciting palate of succulent fruit packed with coating tannins. Super-long and satisfying. (WS)