2010 Barolo Le Vigne

‘Sibi et paucis’ stamped on the label: a small quantity of Sandrone’s Barolo bottlings are cellared and released 10 years later, or as the Sandrone website states: ‘sibi et paucis is the desire to free Nebbiolo's innate resistance to time … [it] is the result of the care we take with our wines as these privileged bottles mature in our cellar.’ Grapes comes from the Baudana, Cerviano-Merli, Vignane and Villero vineyards. Mid ruby. Dusty, minerally nose but not really showing a lot of development. Exciting palate of succulent fruit packed with coating tannins. Super-long and satisfying. (WS)

The 2010 Barolo Le Vigne is composed from an assembly of fruit sourced from the townships of Barolo, Novello and Serralunga d’Alba. It reflects Barolo tradition in which, years ago, this noble wine was made from a wide assembly of fruit instead of single cru sites (as is the custom today). Bright cherry fruit, blackberry and creme de cassis segue to profound layers of licorice, spice, cola and anisette. It feels strong and tonic in the mouth with a pleasingly velveteen texture and a fresh dose of zesty acidity. Drink: 2017-2030. Importer: Vintus Wines, www.vintuswines.com

Healthy ruby with orange tinges. Deep open-knit sweet nose. Lots of extract and good acidity. Still a tiny bit sweet, but already accessible. Real Nebbiolo expression. Solid structure and style. Tannins perhaps not the most polished but nothing out of kilter. (WS)