Tasting Notes
Antonio Galloni 97
How many dinners start with a wine of the pedigree of Luciano Sandrone s 2006 Barolo Le Vigne? Not too many. The 2006 was incredibly tight when we opened, but after a few hours of air it is striking. What a wine. The flavor profile and tannin structure are decidedly classic, but the expression of fruit and overall texture are those of the modern school. This is a superb showing from the 2006.
Anticipated maturity: 2016-2028
Vinous 92+
Good deep red-ruby. Wilder aromas of blueberry, camphor and brown spices. Much more strict on the palate than the Cannubi Boschis, with the camphor and brown spice elements currently holding the upper hand over primary fruit. Less silky and more masculine in texture. Finishes chewy, firm and long, with serious tannins currently cutting off the fruit.
Wine Advocate 96
Sandrone’s 2006 Barolo Le Vigne possesses awesome balance as intricately woven layers of aromas and flavors come together in the glass. The 2006 is an especially powerful Le Vigne boasting a solid core of floral, red fruits supported by firm yet elegant tannins. This, too, shows the considerable drive and focus that is the hallmark of the vintage. The wine’s overall balance is impeccable. Le Vigne is made from parcels in Vignane (Barolo), Conterni and Ceretta (Monforte) and Merli (Novello). The wines are aged separately for a year in 500-liter barrels. The final blend is assembled, after which the wine spends an additional year in oak prior to being bottled. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026. My visit last year with Luciano and Luca Sandrone was illuminating, as I had an opportunity to taste verticals of both of the estate’s Barolos spanning vintages 2005 through 2009, culminating with exceptional bottles of the 1990s, which I report on in this issue’s a oeWhat About Nowa feature. Sandrone’s 2006 Barolos are among the unqualified successes of the 2006 harvest. The wines show more richness and density than the 2005s, but less exuberance than the 2007s, in a focused, driven style I find quite attractive. Importer: Vintus LLC, Pleasantville, NJ tel. (914) 769-3000
Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026
JancisRobinson.com 15.5
Straightforward blueish crimson. Simple sweet tea-leaf aroma. Sweet palate entry. A bit too sweet for me. Not exactly haunting! But it would certainly stand up to food… A little drying on the finish.
Anticipated maturity: 2014-2019
