Tasting Notes
Vinous 96
The 2012 Barolo Le Vigne, here in a library release, is still a very young wine. Bright acids lift a core of red fruit in a Barolo that impresses with its vibrancy. Spice, blood orange, mint, rose petal and lavender open with a bit of time in the glass. The 2012 showed quite a bit of potential as a young wine, now, that potential is really starting to come through. This is a terrific showing.
Anticipated maturity: 2025-2037
Robert Parker 93
The Luciano Sandrone 2012 Barolo le Vigne shows the trademark ripeness that I so often identify in this historic product. The bouquet is round and plush with thick layers of dark cherry marmalade, blackberry preserves and dark currant. Beyond those apparent fruit aromas, Le Vigne offers dark spice and licorice with a beautiful menthol signature on the finish. The wine’s natural structure is padded by soft tannins and lush fruit consistency. In all, this important wine is less vibrant and distinctive compared to other excellent vintages such as 2008 and 2010.
Anticipated maturity: 2017-2028
JancisRobinson.com 18
More spice and less leafy maturity than the Marcarini La Serra 2012 just tasted. Still with some red fruit on the nose. Bone, bone dry but the tannins are exceptionally fine and there’s still a lot of fruit to balance. Terrific wine. (JH)
Anticipated maturity: 2017-2030
