Barolo, Brunate, Riserva, 2013

Tight, concentrated and edgy at first. A firm backbone softens a little with air and unravels intense aromas of dark fruit, violets and earth. The palate gradually reveals flavours of bramble and boysenberry fruit mixed with hints of cherry, strawberry, spices and herbs. There is also a strong underlying mineral element to the fruit. Deep, layered flavours that need time to unwind. Powerful but serious and smartly-tailored smart. One of the top Cru vineyards of Barolo, situated high up in the La Morra commune. Well protected and exposed with a nice mix of silt and clay soils this vineyard makes wines of power and refinement in equal measure. The Riserva comes from old vines the heart of Brunate, the upper middle part, planted in 1942. Produced in the same way as the other Cru wines – aged for 24 months in 25% new oak barrels - but kept an extra two years in bottle. Rarely more than 800 bottles are made.