Sandrone Le Vigne Barolo

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.

Bright deep ruby-red. Complex aromas of red cherry, blueberry and brown spices. Full-bodied and deep, with high but harmonious acidity giving focus to the red cherry, camphor and mineral flavors. Youthfully chewy yet smooth tannins stain the palate on the long, firm finish. Though the fruit is starting to show through, this vintage of Le Vigne maintains an air of austerity and strictness that will take years to shed. Forget about this beauty in your cellar for at least another ten years.

Black cherry, plum, tar and licorice flavors are sweet and offset the firm structure in this red, which has a fine, spicy aftertaste. There’s an almost lush texture, and though this is balanced, it needs time to come together. Best from 2014 through 2030.