2009 Barolo Le Albe
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
Just mid ruby. Closed but serious nose. Fine, leafy Nebbiolo fruit with a big dose of powdery tannins. Just the merest hint of tar and black tea leaves. Elegant palate weight. Tannins take centre stage at this moment. Closes up on the finish. Very elegant and not heavy at all and succulent. Very good for the vintage and deserves more age. Very long. (WS)
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(this is Vajra's entry-level Barolo, fermented at relatively low temperature): Good bright red. Blackcurrant, sandalwood and coffee on the perfumed, fruit-driven nose. Juicy, fresh and sweet, with crunchy red fruit flavors nicely framed by harmonious acidity and ripe, fine-grained tannins. Should provide early drinking pleasure, but has the depth for mid-term cellaring. An excellent value in Barolo--as is the 2007 version, which is still in the market.
Vajra's 2009 Barolo Albe wraps around the palate with gorgeous depth and richness. Deeply spiced notes lead to plum, black cherry, licorice, menthol, tar and licorice in a resonant, beautifully expressive Barolo loaded with near-term appeal. The 2009 is rich and incredibly inviting from the very first taste. I can't think of too many Barolos in this price range that deliver so much quality and pure pleasure. Once again, Vajra has hit a home run with the Albe.
Commune of Barolo. Mid ruby with orange tinges. Dangerously oxidative and showing browning-apple notes. Two samples tasted. Cask sample? Same tiredness on the palate. No score. (WS)