Fratelli Alessandria, Barolo

Fratelli Alessandria, BaroloFratelli Alessandria's 2015 Barolo makes for a very fine introduction to the vintage at this address. Macerated dark cherry, leather, cedar, tobacco and spice give the 2015 lovely shades of nuance. Best of all, the 2015 will drink well right out of the gate. This is such a pretty and expressive md weight Barolo that really hits all the right notes for a wine in its peer group. Another year or two in bottle will only help the tannins soften. Antonio

while the addition of 16% Roberta's Merlot helps fill out the mid-palate beautifully

spice and herbed

which means they lost some 40% of the crop because of the frost

A powerfully spicy aroma leads to dense dark plum and blackberry flavors that turn a touch jammy

with grainy tannins and firm acidity

This is incredibly balanced and harmonious

and young Theresa Breuer was quite confident that her viticulture regimen in 2011 would guarantee longtime cellarmaster Hermann Schmoranz fruit of more than sufficient ripeness and health

Pretty hot and extracted on the nose

This is also aromatically super-fresh with a lovely mélange of plum

So if you like your sweets on the young side

A big step up in aromatic elegance and complexity and while the toast is not subtle

soy and a whiff of hoisin