The 2012 Barolo Lazzarito impresses for its precision and class, two qualities that aren't easy to find in wines from this Serralunga site. Iron, smoke and white pepper lift from the glass in a vertical, structured Barolo endowed with real pedigree. A rush of pomegranate, red cherry jam, wild flowers and blood orange meld into the huge, bright finish. In 2012, the Lazzarito reconciles power and finesse like few vintages in the past. For the last few years, the Lazzarito has been knocking on the door of the big boys in this lineup, the Rocche and Ravera. Today, the Lazzarito makes a strong statement that it has arrived.

This Barolo offers the trademark power and integrity that is so distinctive of wines made in Serralunga d'Alba. The 2012 Barolo Lazzarito delivers muscle, brawn, and an endearing sense of confidence and determination. The is a lovely interpretation that opens to dark fruit aromas that are sharply framed by spice, tobacco, tilled earth and cooling menthol. The overall effect is generous, well-structured and full-bodied. This wine is poised to age over the next twenty years.

The wonderful wines of Vietti have me thinking a lot about Langhe Nebbiolo lately. The 2013 Langhe Nebbiolo Perbacco is definitely among the top ten "easiest-to-drink" wines I've tasted this year. Following a long morning of tasting new vintage of Barolo, I invited a few guests out to lunch. I wanted to grab an open bottle from my morning session and this is the one I re-corked and stuffed into my purse. Some 20 minutes later I was sitting outside on a warm spring day at one of my favorite restaurants in the center of Alba. I ordered lightly grilled squid as an appetizer and a portion of carne cruda covered in thinly shaved scales of black truffle. I could have grabbed a Barolo, but the sunlit setting and the raw ingredients in the lunch menu were a perfect match for Langhe Nebbiolo. In fact, the Perbacco aw(more...)

Rich, with a chewy texture and flavors of cherry, licorice, menthol, wild herbs and tar. Fresh, powerful and balanced, this should be terrific in due time.

A full-bodied red with chocolate, mineral, and plum character. Firm and silky. Medium finish. Tight and shy at the moment. Give it a year to two to open.