2018 Nebbiolo d'Alba
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Tasting notes
From the Luciano Sandrone late-release program, the 2018 Nebbiolo d'Alba Valmaggiore Sibi et Paucis has evidently experienced a very slow and soft evolution, because although there are some tertiary notes to admire, the wine feels and tastes much younger than its real years. It shows glossy elegance, tar, dried raspberry and soft pencil shaving. The 2018 vintage is subtle, but don't underestimate that power. Only 1,500 bottles were created.
Critic scores
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
A library release from Sandrone, the 2018 Nebbiolo d'Alba Valmaggiore Sibi et Paucis shows lovely hints of maturity, yet also remains quite young. Crushed rose petal, dried red cherry, spice, leather and kirsch all grace the 2018. Its aromatics are already quite open, but there's lovely textural depth here. The 2018 is slender, but also very pretty.
Mid to deep lustrous ruby. Dense nose but savoury and minerally rather than fruit-driven and with minerally notes leaping out of the glass. Just the very beginning of undergrowth. Succulent, supple fruit with sandy tannins adding a nice bite to the finish. Long and sensuous and ready now but will hold. (WS)
Grapes were crushed and destalked. Total skin contact of about a week, after which it was racked off into used tonneaux, where it also went through MLF. No further racking, just occasional lees-stirring, and aged in the same casks for a year, followed by at least nine months in bottle. Just mid ruby. Complex nose of cherry, earth and hints of black pepper, orange peel and black tea leaves. Elegant cherry and raspberry palate with soft tannic bite and supple acidity. A finely balanced, elegant whole. (WS)
About the producer
Luciano Sandrone is a name synonymous with the highest standards of Barolo winemaking. Founded in 1978, this family-owned estate has become a modern icon, earning international acclaim for its meticulous wines and thoughtful, site-driven approach to Nebbiolo.