2011 G.B. Burlotto Barolo

Comm. G.B. Burlotto's 2011 Barolo offers spicy exuberance backed by softly layered black fruit. This vintage is really all about the fruit, which feels ripe, dark and thickly textured in this case. This wine offers very attractive intensity with black cherry followed by exotic spice and campfire ash. Its texture is broad and velvety.

Burlotto's 2011 Barolo is a gorgeous entry-level offering and a real overachiever in its category. Small red berries, sweet tobacco, mint, spices and orange rind are all laced together in a pretty, delicate Barolo that will offer considerable pleasure upon release. A weightless, super-refined finish rounds things out. There is so much to like here. Readers who want to dip their toes into the wines of Burlotto should start here. There is so much to like. The vineyard sources are Breri, which sits next to Monvigliero, Rocche dell'Olmo and Neirane.

Just mid ruby with the beginning of orange tinges. Dusty and a little savoury, and then opens up to ripe red fruit. Concentrated fruit but nothing over the top. Crunchy tannins. Could age a couple of years but already enjoyable. Just a tiny bit warm on the finish, but proper, delicious Barolo. (WS)