Massolino, Barolo 2004

A very nice "normale" from Massolino. Light ruby red color. Notes of raspberries, tar and licorice.

Visiting Luciano Sandrone

Entrance door to the estate of Luciano Sandrone

A visit to Sandrone is always a great pleasure, and the modesty of mr. Luciano Sandrone and Barbara Sandrone is stunning. The hospitality and generousity is second to none.

This time I had the chance to retaste the line-up, including the two 2004 Barolo, Cannubi Boschis and Le Vigne.

Barbara & Luciano Sandrone

Pelissero Barbaresco, Nubiola 2001

From one of my favorite value producers. This one sees oak for 18 months - a mix of 30/40 hl cask and 225 lt. barriques, approximately 50/5o - followed by 9 months in bottle.

Bottle was popped and poured.

Bright red colour with a yellow hued rim. Very nice earthy smell with mushrooms followed by bright red fruit. The first sip is tight and the tannins characteristic of this vintage really shows. After some time in the glass, some secondary aromas come to the front. black cherries and roses. The aftertaste is long and theres is still a lot of tannins in this wine; if you have some of these, please leave them for at least 2 years more.

Barolo 2004

Well, time to write a bit again. Been busy working (and tasting - will post some notes, when I get around to it).

The 2004 vintage is already hyped and the top Baroli are receiving a lot of attention. Sandrone, "our" producer, got 98 and 96 points from Galloni, for the Cannubi Boschis and the Le Vigne. I believe that all the 2004's are worth buying into. Off course the top wines are great, but the prices will be up theres as well, but the second tier Baroli will be great as well, and probably more reasonably priced. I guess my Giacosa collection won't be growing much, as the prices are hitting the roof now.