2012 Barolo Vignolo
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Tasting notes
Castiglione Falletto. Gorgeous raspberry and cherry fruit nose. Generous supple red-fruit palate that is not heavy at all. Long and with plenty of grainy tannins weaved through the fruit. (WS)
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
This wine will be released next September. The 2012 Barolo Riserva Vignolo shows a darkened and enriched side of the graceful Nebbiolo grape. This effort delivers a bit more weight and power with firm structure and balanced but also slightly dry tannins. The wine's acidity plays an important role in giving this expression such a sharp and focused personality. This wine ages in large oak casks for five years, thus prompting deep complexity and aromatic layering. The Vignolo vines are a bit lower in altitude (from 250 to 310 meters above sea level) compared to San Giuseppe (at 310 to 340 meters above sea level). That lower positioning favors the immediate richness and succulence you taste here.
Tank sample. NB vintage. Mid to dark garnet. Well-integrated, rather sweet flavours. Less drama than the San Giuseppe but a rewarding drink with the tannins still to knit together completely. (JR)