2010 Barolo Bussia Riserva

Monforte d’Alba. Mid ruby with orange tinges. Already in the grip of oxidation. Sour cherry and a little dead. Two samples tasted. (WS)

Still tight, young and nervous, the 2010 Barolo Bussia Sergio Barale is aged in large oak casks like Barale’s other top Barolo expression. That slow oxidative process, combined with the extraordinary quality of the 2010 vintage has produced a classic Barolo that will endure in time and promises a long evolution ahead. In general, fruit from the Bussia cru tends to be more robust and structured as evidenced here. The wine’s garnet appearance is vibrant and bright and the finish boasts energy and verve. You can still feel the wine’s silky imprint minutes after swallowing. Drink: 2017-2035. Sergio Barale has released some of his finest wines ever. The Barolo Castellero (the wine most identified with this estate) and the Barolo Bussia Sergio Barale are simply outstanding. One missing protagonist is the Barolo Cannubi. Sergio and his family decided to replant their holdings in the famous Barolo cru and that wine was last produced in 2007. Production of the Barolo Cannubi will start again with the 2011 vintage. To date, the replanted vines are only five years old so fans of this expression will need to wait much longer before the vineyard reaches a more mature age. Sergio chose a new Nebbiolo clone from the Michet biotype (CN311) that is particularly well suited to the thinner, well-draining soils of Cannubi. He matched that clone with a rootstock (420A) that enables deep root penetration. Both choices reflect a long term vision that will reward those with the patience to wait until Cannubi reaches its prime production years. Various American Importers, including: Chambers Street Wines, www.chambersstwines.com; Wine Appellations Ltd, www.noblegrapewines.com; Lo Duca Bros., www.loducabros.com