2020 Barolo Cerretta

A floral perfume of violets takes the lead in the 2020 Barolo Cerretta, which pours a ripe ruby color and reveals aromas of wild candied black raspberries, candied orange, sweet herbs, and licorice. With sweet tannins and a harmonious feel, its more mineral underpinnings come through in the end, with supple, lush tannins and a clean finish. It’s long on the palate but harmonious, with no harsh edges. Drink 2025-2045. Since 2009, Luigi Baudana has been under the operation and ownership of the G.D. Vajra estate from Barolo. As with the Vajra estate, Giuseppe and Aldo manage the winemaking process, along with Giuseppe’s brother Isidoro, the vineyard manager. They continue to consult with Luigi for his understanding of the land and experience. They primarily use 15- to 17-hectoliter Slavonian barrels for aging, as the size of the cellar dictates. For the Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba bottling, selections are made from the crus of Baudana, Cerretta, and Costabella. With the 2019 vintage, they are now certified organic.

The Luigi Baudana 2020 Barolo Cerretta has bold lines and shows dominant dark fruit. You get all of that Serralunga d'Alba intensity with ferrous earth, dried apricot, blackcurrant, iron ore and crushed stone. The wine ends on a dry note that is reinforced by the tight nature of the fine chalky tannins, but there is enough fruit to soften out the effect. There is a hint of nutmeg or sweet spice on the palate.

The 2020 Barolo Cerretta is a very complete wine in this vintage. Deep and layered, but in the medium-bodied style of the year, the 2020 impresses with its balance and overall harmony. Succulent red cherry fruit, spice, rose petal, mint and dried herbs fill out the layers nicely. The substantial finish is quite attractive.