Barolo, Cannubi, 2011

As one door opens, another closes. Just as the Altares' share-cropping agreement for Brunate ends, they reach a deal to lease some well placed vines in the original part of Cannubi. This is made in the same way as the Brunate, short fermentation and maceration followed by 24 months in 30% new oak barriques but the wines are poles apart in style. The 2011 Cannubi bursts with open, headily perfumed floral ripe fruit - offering notes such as kirsch and garriguette strawberries. The palate is dominated by silky, sweet, intense red fruit flavours mixed with touches of tea leaf and fresh cut flower. More extroverted, voluptuous and forward than the Brunate, a wine of infinite pleasure. 1500 bottles were made.