2009 Barolo Vigna Elena Riserva
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It's hard not to be smitten by the 2009 Barolo Riserva Vigna Elena. This is a gorgeous expression with a compelling sense of depth, flavor intensity and extraction. This wine is made with a rare Nebbiolo clone called Rosè. It was not produced in 2008 because damaging hailstorms ruined much of the fruit that year. Riserva Vigna Elena exhibits enormous attention to detail with micro aromas of wild berry, spice, cola, licorice and white truffle that are fused together in a penetrating aromatic front. The tannins finely textured and silky.
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A deep, powerful wine, the 2009 Barolo Riserva Vigna Elena boasts remarkable balance for the vintage. The flavors are dark and resonant to the core in a Barolo built on textural depth. Cocoa, mocha, spices, menthol, leather and sage all add notable dimensions of complexity as this seamless Barolo captivates the senses with its inviting personality. I imagine the 2009 Vigna Elena will reward consumers with a long and broad drinking window.
1 ha, 100% Rosé clone, and apparently a rarity in the Langhe. ‘I think you make the best Barolo when using all three clones (Lampia, Rosé, Michet) but I did an experiment with 100% Rosé and I liked it so much, because of the floral character, not because of the colour, because it doesn’t have a lot. Rosé is also the last to ripen, while the powerful Rosé tannins always need more age, which is why I age it for six years’. Aged for three years in large oak casks, and 18 months in bottle. Dusty and minerally with a hint of white pepper and a touch of cardamom. Very elegant palate weight and perfectly ripe fruit. Full spread of juicy cherry fruit with lovely chewy tannins building a real unity on the finish. (WS)
The 2009 Barolo Vigna Elena is rich, pliant and expansive on the palate. Sweet red cherries, tobacco, mint and spices meld together in an ample, powerful Barolo built on pure texture. It will be interesting to see how the 2009 responds to bottling and if it shuts down at all. Today, it is remarkably open and expressive.