Barolo Le Vigne, Azienda Agricola Luciano Sandrone 2008

A model of finesse and understatement, the 2008 Barolo Le Vigne is every bit as thrilling as it has always been. At nearly 10 years of age, the 2008 is still bright, precise and very fresh. Sweet red cherry, rose petal and mint notes are beautifully sketched in a Barolo that is pure and total class. In 2008, vineyard sources are Vignane, Merli, Ceretta and Conterni.

Sandrone's 2008 Barolo Le Vigne is a wine of breathtaking textural finesse and elegance. Nothing really stands out, so phenomenal is the wine's balance and sense of harmony. This is the kind of wine that is easy to overlook because it doesn't ask for attention and isn't showy. Instead, everything is simply in the right place. The finest, most silky of tannins support a core of sweet red berries, flowers, mint and spices, all of which are woven together with total refinement. The eternal, nuanced finish bodes very well for the future. This is a dazzling effort from Luciano and Luca Sandrone. Le Vigne is made from parcels in Vignane, Ceretta, Conterni and Merli. In 2008 there is a little less Vignane as part of the vineyard was hit by hail. There is little question that the blending of fruit from several sites was a huge advantage in 2008. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2028.