2006 Barolo Sarmassa

The 2006 Barolo Sarmassa is simply awesome. This dark, sensual beauty flows with the essence of balsamic-infused dark fruit, menthol, spices and minerals, all of which come to life in a rich, textured expression of Barolo. The aromatics seem to never end, as the wine exhibits remarkable inner perfume, wedded to generous fruit, all supported by firm sturdy tannins that guarantee a long life in the cellar. In 2006 Brezza did not make his top selection, Bricco Sarmassa, and the best fruit went into this bottling, which will probably be labeled as the straight Sarmassa. This is a wonderful Barolo from proprietor Enzo Brezza.

The 2006 Barolo Sarmassa is simply awesome. This dark, sensual beauty flows with the essence of balsamic-infused dark fruit, menthol, spices and minerals, all of which come to life in a rich, textured expression of Barolo. The aromatics seem to never end, as the wine exhibits remarkable inner perfume wedded to generous fruit, all supported by firm sturdy tannins that guarantee a long life in the cellar. In 2006 Brezza did not make his top selection, Bricco Sarmassa, and the best fruit went into this bottling, which will probably be labeled as the straight Sarmassa. This is a wonderful Barolo from proprietor Enzo Brezza. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031. Brezza remains one of Piedmont’s great undiscovered gems. The estate’s Barolos, made in a rigorously traditional style, show tons of vintage and vineyard character in the classic, mid-weight style that is the signature of traditionally made Barolos from the village of Barolo. The 2006s were bottled in August of 2009. Importer: A.I. Selections, Astoria, NY; tel. (718) 777-2243

Bright, full red. Lovely incipient complexity on the nose, where notes of smoked meat and underbrush currently overshadow strawberry and raspberry fruit aromas. Broad, rich, deep and sweet, but with resounding acidity giving the back end an impression of austerity. The serious tannins coat the incisors. Very young and built to age.