$369.99
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Region: Barolo, Italy
Grape: Nebbiolo
First Glance: Matured release, dried cherry, leather, under-growth, rose petal
Acclaim: 94 points
Luciano Sandrone is one of the most recognised estates in the Barolo region today. Historically leaning towards the more modern style of winemaking, which saw the light of day around the 1990's, with the introduction of French oak and shorter maceration times. In reality the estate employs a very balanced approach, the result being wines of power and intensity, but also of balance and finesse.
Cannubi is one of the most famed vineyards in the commune of Barolo (one of the 5 sub-regions of the greater Barolo wine region). A rather large MGA (single vineyard), Cannubi itself is divided into several sections with each their typicity - Boschis being one of them, sitting at the Northern tip of the Cannubi hill, with particularly good exposure to the south and southeast in a small amphitheatre or "conca" that helps hold warmth in the early morning. Its soils are sea deposits of calcareous clay with good drainage. Many great winemakers have made expressions of this hill, and Sandrone was one of the early trend-setters, bottling this cru on its own already in 1985 - the winery is just across the valley, so this is basically home-base.
The "Sibi et Paucis" bottlings are held back for a number of years, to be able to present mature wines to the market. The 2012 is a more elegant expression of Cannubi Boschis, which in some vintages can be quite dark and brooding, but this year showed a more red-fruited and floral side.
The Review:
94 points, Kerin O'Keefe, Wine Enthusiast
Enticing scents of pressed rose, wild berry, scorched soil, leather and menthol take shape in the glass. The juicy, savory palate doles out red cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice, baking spice and grilled herb alongside ripe, velvety tannins. It's already approachable and will drink well for several more years. (Tasted 2016)
