Barale Fratelli Barolo Cannubi 2012

"Everyone who's made their way up to Barolo village on the lower road (via Alba) almost opposite the small park and football pitch, will have seen Barale's historic little piece of the great Cannubi cru. On either side and just behind, are the Cannubi plots of Chiarlo, Cascina Adelaide and Brezza. But it's Barale who are in the parish records here for title to Cannubi from about the late 16th century. I'm prepared that such heritage might bias (my) perceptions of this, except that the vineyard was almost entirely replanted in 2007, and anticipation (or prior knowledge) of this might somewhat dampen expectations. So this was my party trick. All tasters recently were dazzled by this. It got more than a couple of 'wows' from experienced tasters. None of them back-tracked when reminded this is the result of 5 year-old vines. No one. Whereas the (also livewire and fragrant) 2011 was all about red fruits/flowers, this is considerably darker in style, with riper almost raisin or mulberry notes, a bit like 2006 or particularly 2007. Years of joy in this wine - and possibly greatness. Please don't miss it." - David Ridge

Country: Italy
Region: Piedmont
Sub Region: Barolo