Barolo, Arborina, 2021
The clay-dominated concave vineyard of Arborina produces deep, dense structured and very profound La Morra Barolo. This is one of the greatest examples we have ever tasted from this estate, floral and very precise aromas of violet and ripe berries, a smooth, svelte but dense tannic structure supports ripe mineral-infused cherry, bramble, cassis and Victoria plum fruit. Though there is plenty of muscle here, it is the beautifully scented characteristics of fruit and flowers that dominate the palate, whilst the finish betrays a gentle hint of coffee bean and truffle complexity. Excellent.
critic reviews
The Elio Altare 2021 Barolo Arborina shows sweet spice and cinnamon from 24 months in barrique with 20% new oak. This adds nice contouring to expertly ripened fruit, with generous cherry, black plum and cassis. Those fruity tones complement other aromas of spice, licorice and tar. Arborina always shows a classical side of Nebbiolo, not too strong and not too lean. This comes from the historic Altare family vineyard in front of the winery in La Morra. Production is 5,200 bottles.
The 2021 Barolo Arborina is one of the most elegant wines readers will find from this site, a vineyard where the tannins tend to be a bit piercing in their linearity. Instead, the 2021 is a wine of total harmony. Orange peel, cinnamon, kirsch, new leather and rose petal all build over time. This is such a gorgeous, complete Barolo.