Barolo Riserva 'Cerretta Vigna Bricco'

Score

95

"This is usually the last wine I taste in the Elio Altare lineup, but because of the delicate nature of this vintage, this wine comes after the Barolo Arborina and before the Cannubi (both from 2016) in order of increasing intensity. The 2014 Barolo Riserva Cerretta Vigna Bricco offers sharp intensity and a polished, subdued approach. The aromas presented mirror the wine's birthplace with the dark fruit, ferrous earth, blood orange and tarry licorice that is characteristic of Serralunga d'Alba. It sees 24 months in oak, with only 20% new wood. The wine is dense and well structured, thanks to the quality of the tannins at the back. Some 4,800 bottles were released."

Score

94+

"Deep, powerful and resonant in the glass, it fills out its ample frame nicely. Black cherry, plum, chocolate, menthol, licorice and dark spice flesh out in an ample, textured Barolo that shows why the Barolos of Serralunga are so compelling."

Score

95

"This is the first vintage in which this wine is being released as a Riserva. The 2012 Barolo Riserva Cerretta shows the depth, bounty and power that is almost always associated with Nebbiolo from the Serralunga d'Alba township. The wine reminds us that 2012 was characterized by a hot growing season and scorching summer. You can taste that extra fruit blackness or ripeness as a result. The mouthfeel also shows a good dose of soft succulence that enhances and widens the extremely focused and streamlined Nebbiolo taste profile."

Score

93

"Expressive aromas of licorice, sweet spices, coffee and cherry mark this muscular red. The assertive tannins should fall into line in time. Excellent length. Best from 2022 through 2043. 460 cases made, 160 cases imported."