Andrea Oberto, Barolo Brunate Brut Zero

Andrea Oberto, Barolo Brunate Brut ZeroAged in barrique, 20% new. Intense aroma of lightly spicy red fruit with a hint of orange, dried cherry richness but not overly sweet. Hints of tea and a gentle floral quality. Everything you want in Nebbiolo scent plus just a touch of oak sweentess. Lovely texture, dry, mouth coating tannins but so gentle and spreading softly to wash the palate. Already giving pleasure but much more to come. (JH)

it could be a bit more generous

This is just about as majestic as Barbera gets

(from En La Barre and L’Ormeau)

white peach and sea shore whiffs

plum confiture and Turkish coffee notes at the core

Surprisingly leafy and a bit flat overall

from yields of only 17 hl/ha in 2024)

round and exceptionally rich middle weight plus flavors coat the palate with dry extract while delivering unusually good length on the mildly rustic finish

but without being too forceful and headbanging

Hint of coconut – American oak

The 2020 Côte Rôtie Le Vialliere is more unformed and unevolved

dusty earth and black pepper over a core of red currants