Sandrone Barolo Aleste 2014 (1.5L)

95 KO / 94 WS / 93 WA / 93 VM / 93 JS / 93 DE / 17 JR

Dried rose, blue flower, aromatic herb, wild berry and a whiff of pipe tobacco are just some of the aromas you'll find on this stunning red. It's elegant and structured, delivering raspberry compote, crushed strawberry, cinnamon and star anise framed in bright acidity and firm fine-grained tannins. It has fantastic tension and energy, and promises to age well for years. Drink 2024–2039.-Kerin O'Keefe

The cherry and strawberry aromas are tinged by hay and tobacco notes. On the palate, the core of fruit is joined by a chorus of herb, tobacco and underbrush flavors. Aggressively tannic now, but well-proportioned and long. Best from 2024 through 2043. 150 cases imported.-Bruce Sanderson, Wine Specatator

This is the second year Aleste is produced instead of Cannubi Boschis, however the grapes are exactly the same. The 2014 Barolo Aleste is named after Luciano Sandrone's grandchildren Alessia and Stefano. The 2014 is still wound up and will require extra time to find its footing. The Sandrone family lost 25% of their fruit production in this challenging harvest. The wine offers fragrant notes of wild cherry and cassis with smoke, crushed stone and candied orange peel. The tannins are firm and textured. It is the palate (more than the nose) that requires more time to soften. Monica Larner – The Wine Advocate

The 2014 Barolo Aleste is a wine of exquisite finesse and grace. Soft, understated and classy, it is a terrific example of the vintage at its best. Bright red cherry and red plum fruit give the wine its vibrant feel. In 2014, the Aleste is decidedly medium-bodied and restrained, especially compared to recent past vintages. Readers should keep in mind that Aleste is the new name for the Cannubi Boschis Barolo. Antonio Galloni – Vinous Media

A firm and silky red with plum and berry character. Hints of spices and dark chocolate, too. Medium to full body. Powerful and structured. Needs three or four years to soften.-James Suckling

Aleste used to be known as Cannubi Boschis, its vineyard of origin, but has been renamed in honour of Luciano Sandrone's grandchildren Alessia and Stefano. The nose is a model of refinement and purity, with ripe and intense red fruits. Although medium-bodied, it's threaded with fine tannins and good acidity. This spicy, lively and long tonneaux-aged wine is no blockbuster, but should age well.-Stephen Brook, Decanter

Barolo. Previously labelled as Cannubi Boschis and now renamed Aleste. Tasted blind. Unusual dark ruby for this vintage. Great concentration on the nose without being too exuberant. Ripe cherry shot through by acidity. Great length and tasty chewy tannins all the way through. Perhaps not super-complex, but hugely satisfying. Not ready yet.-Walter Speller, JancisRobinson