2010 Germano Ettore Barolo Cerretta

Smoke, tobacco, earthiness and iron emerge from the 2010 Barolo Cerretta. Here the style is distinctly ferrous and earthy in a Barolo with considerable mid-palate depth and power, but perhaps a bit less perfume and refinement than the Prapò. The Cerretta was aged in 700 liter, untoasted French oak barrels.

The 2010 Barolo Cerretta is a plush and shapely wine with voluptuous contours and soft aromatic layering. This vineyard cru gives rise to some of the plumpest and most fruit-forward expressions of Nebbiolo and the 2010 vintage is an especially good example of that tendency. I love the savory tones of cigar box and old spice that spread so smoothly over the palate. The tannins are very dry and polished in texture. Drink: 2017-2028. Various American importers, including: Oliver McCrum Wines, www.omwines.com; Volio Vino, www.voliovino.com

Serralunga d’Alba. Concentrated mid ruby with orange tinges. Complex iron- and earth-driven sweet nose. Very compact and reluctant palate, but fantastically balanced. Gripping finale of ripe fruit and firm tannins. Wonderfully textured ripe fruit. (WS)