Sandrone Barolo Aleste 2016 (750ML)

98 WA / 98 VM / 97 WS / 17.5 JR

The Luciano Sandrone 2016 Barolo Aleste is a very special wine for several reasons. First, we get that exceedingly smooth and seamless quality that we saw in many of the other new releases in this portfolio. This trait sums up the house style. Second, this vintage delivers impeccable intensity that transcends the various fruit, spice, earthy and ethereal components of the bouquet. That equal intensity spread across all parts of the wine is what creates those beautiful transitions. The wine is layered and rich in terms of mouthfeel with a long, fruit and spice-driven finish. The tannins are tucked in at the back, surrounded amply by the wine's textural richness and fruit weight.

The 2016 Barolo Aleste is ample, creamy and expansive in feel. But more than that, the 2016 stands out for its freshness, persistence and brilliance. In so many vintages, the Aleste (formerly known as Cannubi Boschis) has been rich and powerful in feel, but in 2016, the wine is all about finesse. The red-fruited, floral purity of Nebbiolo comes through beautifully here; I especially admire the wine's translucence. Wow. Antonio Galloni - Vinous Media

A core of ripe, sweet cherry lurks beneath the iron, tar, eucalyptus and tobacco flavors in this firmly structured red, which shows freshness. This has both finesse and power, with a tight matrix of tannins and a long finish. Best from 2023 through 2047. 160 cases imported. — BS Wine Spectator

Barolo. Grapes come from Sandrone’s Cannubi Boschis holding. Aged in tonneaux (15–20% new).
Lustrous ruby with orange tinges. Elegant and sweetly perfumed nose with underlying richness and only hints of dried cherry and oak. With aeration the oak disappears and iron comes up. Delicious gripping tannins framing succulent cherry fruit. Elegant, fine and hedonistic at the same time. (WS) Walter Speller - Jancis Robinson