2013 Barolo Bricco Fiasco

The 2013 Barolo Bricco Fiasco shows exceptional balance in this terrific vintage. The wine starts slowly but increases in a steady upswing of intensity and complexity as it takes on air in the glass. This vineyard located in Castiglione Falletto was planted in the 1940s, and the vines are now 80 years old, on average. They are at their production prime, especially when it comes to the nuanced and finessed fruit produced. The soils here show a larger percentage of sand compared to neighboring Serralunga d'Alba, and the wine is more fruit forward and elegant as a result. The bouquet offers pressed rose, violets and warm autumnal notes. Only 6,300 bottles were produced. This is a terrific wine.

The 2013 Barolo Bricco Fiasco is one of the most gracious and delicate wines I have ever tasted from this site. Sweet red cherry, kirsch, mint, cranberry and white pepper give the 2013 its distinctive high-toned personality. Moreover, the firm, searing tannins that are so typical of this site are remarkably polished. Readers should expect an aromatic, perfumed Barolo built on grace more than power. The Bricco Fiasco was aged in French oak barrels, with about 10% new wood.

Castiglione Falletto. Tasted blind. Just mid ruby with orange tinges. Cool, herbal cherry nose. Complex cherry with garden-herbs notes on the palate. Succulent, tannic finish, but in need of further bottle age to open up. (WS)