2013 Barolo Sarmassa

Marchesi's 2013 Barolo Sarmassa is powerful, austere and hard to read. Today, the tannins cover the fruit, which makes the wine hard to read at this stage. I am not sure the 2013 will ever be in balance.

The 2013 Barolo Sarmassa is a robust and juicy expression of Nebbiolo from a classic vintage. Aged in both barrique and botte grande, the wine is silky and smooth with bright aromas of wild berry, smoke, grilled herb and white truffle. These aromas are delivered with a steady hand. This is a finely textured expression that offers ample length and persistence.

Barolo. Cask sample. Tasted blind. Remarkably deep ruby! Leafy cherry but with plenty of depth. Very compact and tight fruit and packed with tannins, liquorice hints and cherry fruit. Compelling tactile, tannic finish. Has everything in spades and still elegant. (WS)