2007 Barolo

100% Nebbiolo from two vineyards: La Morra, 200m above sea level with southeast exposure, and Castiglione Falletto Bricco Fiasco, 250m above sea level, with a southwest exposure. Vines are Guyot-trained, 30-40 years old and planted at a density of 4,000 vines/ha. Grapes were hand-harvested and underwent a rigorous manual sorting in the vineyard. Fermented and macerated in stainless steel for 20 days at a controlled temperature of 28-29°C, followed by malolactic. Grapes from the two vineyards were kept separate throughout the process. Aged in 40, 60 and 75-hl Slavonian and Austrian oak barrels for 30 months. Aged in the bottle for another six months before release. Winemakers Mariacristina Oddero and Luca Veglio. TA 5.6 g/l, pH 3.54, RS 1.0 g/l. IWSC 2011 Silver Medal Winner and rated 5* by Decanter. Quite dark for a five-year-old Barolo. Not much nose and a bit tough and tart on the end. Not enough magic fruit in the middle. Overripe. (JR)