Bordeaux Wines

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The 1997 Le Vigne is edged by the 1997 Barolo Cannubi Boschis that follows. Ample and incredibly inviting, the 1997 Cannubi Boschis is a wine of total sensuality. An exotic mélange of dark cherry, plum, leather and spice melds into the super-expressive finish. All of a sudden the conversation stops at the dinner table. That is what great wines can do.Vinous Media | 98 VMThe prodigious 1997 Barolo Cannubi Boschis possesses a dark saturated garnet color. The sweet nose of black fruits, minerals, scorched earth, smoke, dried herbs, and wet stones is stunning. Amazingly concentrated, with tremendous unctuousity yet superb delineation, this large-scaled as well as elegant Barolo possesses fabulous extract as well as a multidimensional mid-palate and finish. It is an amazing effort! Anticipated maturity: 2003-2020.Robert Parker | 96 RPMedium ruby red color. Very opulent aromas of plum, roses and spice. Full-bodied, with exotic fruit flavors and layers of silky tannins. Amazing fruit. Breathtaking. Hard not to drink now. Even better than I remember.--1997 Italian blind retrospective. Best after 2010. 1,080 cases made.Wine Spectator | 96 WS

Loads of blackberry, cherry and dark licorice character. Full-bodied and velvety, with chewy tannins and a long finish. Pretty. Loads of depth and style. Gorgeous. Sandrone makes the best Cannubi. Almost as great as the 2000. Best after 2008. 840 cases made, 215 cases imported.Wine Spectator | 96 WSThe 2001 Barolo Cannubi Boschis is in a beautiful place right now. The aromas are starting to show the early signs of maturity, but there is plenty of fruit and depth in the glass. Sweet, layered and impeccable, the 2001 turns silky and delicate as its sits in the glass. Today my sense is that the 2001 won’t be one of the more long-lived vintages. Hints of licorice, dried flowers and new leather are woven into the rich, textured, fabric. This is a great showing for the Cannubi Boschis. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 95 RPThe 2001 Barolo Cannubi Boschis is in a beautiful place right now. The aromas are starting to show the early signs of maturity, but there is plenty of fruit and depth in the glass. Sweet, layered and impeccable, the 2001 turns silky and delicate as its sits in the glass. Today my sense is that the 2001 won't be one of the more long-lived vintages. Hints of licorice, dried flowers and new leather are woven into the rich, textured, fabric. This is a great showing for the Cannubi Boschis.Vinous Media | 95 VM

The 2007 Barolo Cannubi Boschis dazzles from start to finish. It shows marvelous delineation and freshness in its voluptuous, harmonious fruit, with no hard edges and an expansive, textured personality that conquers both the palate and intellect. Here, too, the oak is very well integrated, while the wine’s balance and overall sense of harmony are nothing short of stunning. This is one of the very finest vintages of Cannubi Boschis. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2032.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 97 RPThis is very tannic and mouth puckering, with coffee and berry character but turns a little bitter. Full bodied, blockbuster style of Barolo. Massive. Give it five years. Wait until 2016.James Suckling | 97 JSYou really can’t beat the beauty of this Barolo. Rich, enduring and persistent, it offers a long array of blackberry, spice and cola-like aromas. The mouthfeel is spectacular thanks to a velvety texture that is backed by a pretty embroidery of cassis, licorice and spicy ginger flavors. Give this 10–15 more years of aging.Wine Enthusiast | 96 WEGood bright, deep red. Sexy, deep nose offers cherry, smoke, dried rose and minerals. Plump, round, seamless and deep, with compelling sweetness to the cherry, raspberry, spice and mocha flavors. For all its sweetness, this terrific Barolo is remarkably penetrating too. The extremely long, palate-staining finish features big but sweet tannins that softened with time in the glass. This Sandrone bottling is as reliably great as a Bordeaux first growth.Vinous Media | 95 VMAromatic, with floral, red berry and spice notes, joined by a hint of tar and tobacco as this plays out on the finish. Elegant overall, as chewy tannins provide support. The finish turns savory, with a mineral accent. Best from 2014 through 2028. 150 cases imported.Wine Spectator | 94 WS

The 2010 Barolo Le Vigne is brilliant. Focused and explosive in its aromatic intensity, the 2010 is fresh and wonderfully nuanced in the glass. It is also aging at a slower rate than the Cannubi Boschis. At nearly ten years of age, the 2010 is fresh, vibrant and so full of energy. It is also every bit as memorable as it was on release.Vinous Media | 100 VMThis compelling wine delivers a combination of concentration and complexity. It opens with a multifaceted fragrance that includes mature black fruit, leather, cinnamon and balsamic notes. The palate is still tightly wound but offers bright red berry and black cherry layered with notes of tobacco, alpine herbs and baking spices alongside bracing tannins and invigorating acidity. It’s young but impeccably balanced. Drink after 2020.Wine Enthusiast | 97 WEA gorgeous young wine with flowers, sandalwood and berries on the nose. Full body, with ultra-fine tannins and a long, long finish. Wonderfully harmonious. A blend of wines from different vineyards. So attractive to drink now but better in 2017.James Suckling | 96 JSThe 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.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 96 RPA rich version, boasting floral, macerated cherry, plum, menthol and tobacco flavors. The tannins are dense, but this remains vibrant and elegant overall, finishing with spice and earth notes. Exhibits excellent harmony and length. Best from 2018 through 2035. 1,450 cases made. Wine Spectator | 94 WSLuciano Sandrone blends Le Vigne from crus he farms and, mostly, owns. In this vintage, he selected fruit from Baudana, Merli and Vignane, aging the wine in 500-liter French tonneaux, 20 to 25 percent new. His Barolo can be massive, and Le Vigne is boldly ripe and black-fruited in 2010, but also poised and balanced in its size. The tannins are intense, coating the mouth with their powerful earthiness, with the rootiness of a parsnip pulled straight from the ground. The fruit closes in over the tannins, so they don’t feel at all gruff. The lasting impression is elegant and classical, what the wine will become in ten years.Wine & Spirits | 94 W&S

Compared to the Le Vigne, the 2013 Aleste is slightly deeper and richer. Coming all from the Cannubi Boschis vineyard and aged 18 months in 500-liter French oak, it reveals incredible notes of black currants, blackberries, ground herbs, licorice, and smoked tobacco. Possessing medium to full-bodied richness, a stacked mid-palate, and serious amounts of tannin, it’s an incredible wine, yet certainly not for those seeking instant gratification. Hide bottles for 5-6 years and enjoy over the following 2-3 decades.Jeb Dunnuck | 98 JDThe 2013 Barolo Aleste is a wine of striking purity and nuance. It is also one of the most finessed, vivid young Barolos I have ever tasted from Sandrone. The translucence of Nebbiolo comes through loud and clear. Freshly cut flowers, mint and finely cut fruit are some of the signatures. This wine has developed beautifully in recent vintages as the oak influence is less than it was just a few years ago. Beams of tannin and bright, salivating acidity add finesse to this translucent, exceptional Barolo. Aleste is the new name Sandrone is using for the Barolo formerly known as Cannubi Boschis.Antonio Galloni | 97+ AGFormerly known as Barolo Cannubi Boschis (the last vintage by that name was 2012), the 2013 Barolo Aleste has been renamed to honor the youngest generation of the Sandrone family, Alessia and Stefano. The wine name Aleste takes the first three letters from each grandchild's name. The move represents the culmination of more than 50 harvests completed by this legendary winemaker and his desire to pass on the torch. His grandchildren are at different points in their respective viticulture and enology university studies. Now under a different name, the wine obviously shows the same delicate floral nuances that you get with this wine (fruit from Cannubi is always harvested first). This is a complete and exciting wine with delicate notes of wild berry and smoke backed by licorice and blue flower.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 97 RPFormerly known as Cannubi Boschis, this impressive wine boasts alluring aromas of crushed raspberry, baking spice, chopped mint, violet and woodland berry. The savory elegant palate delivers succulent Marasca cherry, strawberry compote, cinnamon, licorice and a hint of coffee. Fine-grained tannins and bright acidity provide polished support and great balance. Drink 2023–2038.Wine Enthusiast | 97 WEAs of 2013, Sandrone's iconic Cannubi Boschis bottling has been rebranded with the fantasy moniker Aleste, which fuses the names of Luciano's grandchildren Alessia and Stefano. The grapes still hail exclusively from the Cannubi Boschis cru, aged for 24 months in French tonneaux, less than 20% new. It is already open and appealing, with well-defined aromas of sweet spice, cedar, black raspberry and rose. The palate shows earthy restraint and balance, with a promising future. Drinking Window 2020 - 2037.Decanter | 96 DECExtremely perfumed with blackberry and chocolate aromas. Hints of mushrooms. Full body, soft and velvety tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Shows wonderful potential. This replaces their Cannubi Boschis bottling. Better in 2020.James Suckling | 95 JSWell-structured, revealing dark fruit flavors of black cherry and black currant, with accents of iron, tobacco and tar. Has grip and a fresh feel, lingering on the licorice- and mineral-tinged finish. Best from 2020 through 2040. 150 cases imported.Wine Spectator | 94 WS

Sandrone’s 2013 Barolo Le Vigne is a real stunner. Powerful, ample and deep, the 2013 exudes class from start to finish. The addition of Serralunga fruit in the blend has added depth and structure in all of the wine’s dimensions. Dark red cherry, plum, mint, rose petal, tar and licorice build into the huge, voluptuous finish. Readers who can find the 2013 should not hesitate, as it is outrageously beautiful and also one of the clear wines of the vintage. Vineyard sites are Baudana, Villero, Vignane and Merli.Antonio Galloni | 98 AGThe 2013 Barolo Le Vigne is a sensational, incredibly gorgeous wine. Coming from multiple sites and aged 18 months in 500-liter French oak barrels, it offers a perfumed, intense bouquet of kirsch liqueur, blackberries, graphite, dried flowers, and hints of minerality. Deep, medium to full-bodied, incredibly fine and polished, it’s one of those Nebbioli that packs tremendous power and intensity yet just glides across the palate. It’s the essence of elegance and purity in Nebbiolo.Jeb Dunnuck | 97 JDAlluring scents of blue flower, rose petal, woodland berry, baking spice and new leather take center stage along with a balsamic note of menthol. The delicious enveloping palate doles out juicy morello cherry, crushed raspberry, cinnamon and licorice framed in refined tannins and bright acidity. It’s polished and already tempting but hold for even more complexity. Drink 2020–2038.Wine Enthusiast | 97 WEThe aromas to this young Barolo are vivid and bright with blueberry and stone character. Full body, chewy and polished tannins and a flavorful finish. Powerful and balanced. One of my favorites. Drink in 2021.James Suckling | 96 JSThe 2013 Barolo le Vigne is another stellar achievement from Luciano Sandrone and his family. Since 2010, the blend for this wine has been tweaked just a bit to include more fruit from the Baudana cru in Serralunga d’Alba. This wine shows a ripe and succulent mouthfeel with ample richness and power that drives the wine smoothly over the palate. These darker qualities can be attributed to the Baudana fruit that is known for power and heft. Fruit from the Villero cru in Castiglione Falletto offers delicate perfumes and ethereal elegance. This vineyard site is home to loose, sandy soils. The combination of these two extremes is simply delightful.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 96+ RPA taut, racy style, this boasts cherry, strawberry, licorice and leather flavors, with hints of mineral, iron, spice and underbrush. Remains vibrant on the finish, which stretches out. The fruit comes back at the end. Best from 2022 through 2042. 250 cases imported. Wine Spectator | 95 WSA blend of fruit from crus in Serralunga d’Alba, Castiglione Falletto, Barolo and Novello, the 2013 Le Vigne feels balanced and complete. The red fruit flavors are vibrant and fresh, shining through the wine’s luxurious texture. Notes of vanilla and sweet spice lend richness, even as the wine’s cool, mineral tannins keep the flavors taut and precise.Wine & Spirits | 95 W&SAn admirable vintage for this classic blend. Dense cherry fruit on the nose, and a broad, fleshy palate which is full-bodied but compact, with vigour, balance, and persistence. Drinking Window 2019 - 2035.Decanter | 91 DEC

The 2014 Barolo Le Vigne once again shows the wisdom of blending fruit from different sites. If there is a vintage where blending has the potential to be the difference-maker, 2014 is it. So it is hardly surprising to find the 2014 Le Vigne in such great shape. The red cherry jam, mint, cedar and floral notes are all finely sketched. Medium in body and classy, the 2014 is beautifully textured and inviting from start to finish. All the elements are simply in the right place. Vineyard sources are Merli, Vignane, Villero and Baudana.Vinous Media | 96 VMBeautiful aromas of licorice, tar and black cherries following through to a full body. A powerful palate with dense fruit. Chewy and intense. Needs two or three years to soften. A triumph for the vintage. Drink in 2020.James Suckling | 95 JSRed berry, dried rose petal, exotic spice, menthol and a whiff of underbrush take shape in the glass. On the youthfully tense but focused palate, taut refined tannins and vibrant acidity frame raspberry, strawberry, star anise and a hint of espresso. It’s already delicious but this shows wonderful aging potential, so hold for even more complexity. Drink 2022–2034.Wine Enthusiast | 95 WELuciano Sandrone and his daughter Barbara tell me that the 2014 harvest needs explaining. Many are quick to dismiss it given the difficulties of the growing season that saw abundant rain, hail and bombe d’acqua, or "water bombs," which are a dangerous phenomenon with intense rainfall in a very small radius. But hard work does pay off. The Sandrone family employed 38 people for farming, when the average harvest requires only 22 pairs of vineyard hands. Great care was required to keep the leaves and the clusters healthy. The 2014 Barolo le Vigne is bright and fruit-forward. It is perhaps more accessible in the near term compared to past editions. It delivers dark fruit nuances over a mid-weight and compact mouthfeel.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 94 RPFragrant, exuding floral, cherry, raspberry and spice notes, with fruit and spice flavors to match. Elements of tar and underbrush sneak in as the muscular structure asserts itself on the long finish. Elegant overall. Best from 2023 through 2040. 250 cases imported.Wine Spectator | 94 WSLe Vigne blends fruit from crus in four communes (Castiglione Falletto, Serralunga d’Alba, Barolo and Novello), an approach that seems particularly suited to vintages like 2014, when the rain struck some areas more heavily than others. The wine is lush and enveloping, the fruit enlivened by notes of musky wood spice and crushed violets. Firm mineral tannins support the flavors without impeding the juicy fruit. Vintus, Pleasantville, NYWine & Spirits | 94 W&S

Aromas of menthol, pressed rose, wild berry and grilled herb are front and center on this stunning wine along with a whiff of forest floor. Combining structure and finesse, the savory, full-bodied palate delivers juicy Marasca cherry, blood orange and licorice before an espresso finish. Firm, refined tannins provide tight support. Drink 2025–2032. Kerin O’Keefe | 97 KOAromas of menthol, pressed rose, wild berry and grilled herb are front and center in this stunning wine along with a whiff of forest floor. Combining structure and finesse, the savory, full-bodied palate delivers juicy Marasca cherry, blood orange and licorice before an espresso finish. Firm, refined tannins provide tight support. Drink 2025–2032. Wine Enthusiast | 97 WEThe purity and brightness of nebbiolo is so impressive here. Strawberries and blue fruit abound. Full-bodied, yet tight and very polished with a long, persistent finish. Very transparent and appealing. Drink in 2025 and onwards.James Suckling | 96 JSThe 2017 Barolo Aleste is a dark, ample wine. Dark cherry, plum, new leather, spice and licorice bring out darker tones of Nebbiolo. All the natural power of these parcels come through effortlessly. Best of all, the 2017 will drink well with minimal cellaring.Vinous Media | 95 VMThe 2017 Sandrone Barolo Aleste, made from grapes from the Cannubi Boschis vineyard, is a deep color with a bluer tone than many 2017s and looks more youthful. It has a slight lifted, violet, perfumed note and gentle, smoky, spice. On the palate, it has a round, muscular, forceful style yet with an amazingly gentle texture and great charm and finesse. There is a touch of dryness to the finish which is a fingerprint of the 2017 vintage, yet this wine seamlessly flows across the palate with great harmony. These are such pleasurable wines to drink. Perhaps wait two years for the wine to open even more but it is deliciously approachable already.The Wine Independent | 95 TWIBalsamic aromas and flavors of mint, eucalyptus and sage dominate the cherry and berry notes in this linear red. There is a contradiction and tension now between its graceful entry and dense, muscular finish. Nonetheless, this is long and finds an equilibrium in the end. Best from 2025 through 2043. 150 cases imported.Wine Spectator | 93 WS

Opulent and very sexy with perfume, cedar, dried flowers and dried strawberries and just a hint of nutmeg. It’s medium-to full-bodied with round and finely velvety tannins and a flavorful finish. So seductive. Drink after 2025.James Suckling | 97 JSFragrant and delicious, this gorgeous wine opens with inviting aromas of rose, sandalwood, camphor and perfumed berry alongside whiffs of truffle and French oak. The full-bodied palate combines elegance and structure, featuring ripe Morello cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and a dollop of vanilla alongside firm, refined tannins. It’s already tempting but hold for more complexity. Drink 2024–2032. Kerin O’Keefe | 97 KOFragrant and delicious, this gorgeous wine opens with inviting aromas of rose, sandalwood, camphor and perfumed berry alongside whiffs of truffle and French oak. The full-bodied palate combines elegance and structure, featuring ripe Morello cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and a dollop of vanilla alongside firm, refined tannins. It’s already tempting but hold for more complexity. Drink 2024–2032.Wine Enthusiast | 97 WEThe 2017 Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne has a gentle, sweet, smoky spice nose with a touch of fresh leather. It is medium-full, with a sublime, melting texture and very finely integrated tannins, There is a great harmony and finesse to the palate, with gentle red fruit and spice notes. A hint of tar in the middle adds intrigue. Unlike most 2017s, the slight dryness of the tannins is not there - they are integrated into the wine in a subtle, harmonious way. Maybe wait one year to drink then drink up to 20 years at least.The Wine Independent | 96 TWIThe 2017 Barolo Le Vigne is rich, pliant and so expressive. Even so, I imagine it will need a few years to open up fully. Bright red fruit, rose petal, blood orange and spice give the 2017 its distinctly red-toned profile. Elegant and translucent, the 2017 is very nicely balanced. Vineyard sources are Baudana, Villero, Vignane and Merli.Vinous Media | 95+ VMBright cherry, plum, leather, tar and underbrush flavors are the highlights of this solid red. A firm grip of tannins lines the finish, but not before the fruit builds nicely. Fine freshness, balance and length. Best from 2024 through 2042. 260 cases imported.Wine Spectator | 93 WS

The 2018 Sandrone Barolo Aleste comes from grapes from the Cannubi Boschis vineyard but is called ’Aleste’ as a combination of the names of Luciano Sandrone’s grandchildren - Alessia and Stefano. These wines are very Burgundy-like in their weight, texture and finesse but with the added depth and grip of Nebbiolo. This 2018 has a delicacy on the nose with bright red cherry and very subtle spice notes. It has a largesse and generosity of texture, with rounded, sandy-textured tannins and a slightly more clipped, assertive note. It just flows with ease and charm across the palate. Very beautiful, with a forceful personality. Wait maybe two years and drink for 20 plus.The Wine Independent | 97 TWIMade with fruit from Cannubi Boschis, the Luciano Sandrone 2018 Barolo Aleste is plump and ripe, but this wine also shows a more delicate character that is its ace card. The aromas are filigreed and fine with dark fruit, spice and licorice. The effect is integrated, and the wine shows a lovely, softer personality to balance out this mildly concentrated expression.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 96 RPThe 2018 Barolo Aleste is gorgeous, but also very quite today. There’s terrific purity to the dark red/purplish fruit and a good bit of volume too, but readers will have to be patient. Bright acids and firm tannins lend energy. I admire the presence and texture here. The Aleste, from Cannubi Boschis, benefits from a site that can handle moisture. This is nicely done.Vinous Media | 94 VMAn open-knit Barolo highlighted by plum, cherry, leather and tar flavors. Supple in texture before firming up, with dusty, refined tannins lingering on the finish. This should evolve nicely with some bottle age. Best from 2025 through 2043. 800 cases made, 200 cases imported.Wine Spectator | 94 WSDried red berries and dried flowers, almost tobacco on the nose. Citrus and minty notes add character. Medium-to full-bodied, elegant and silky palate that thickens out with fine, creamy tannins as it progresses. Super texture to this, gently coating the palate. Rather firmer just at the end for now. Really refined and elegant. Best from 2024.James Suckling | 94 JSFragrant purple flower, woodland berry and menthol aromas form the nose along with whiffs of spice. The elegant, medium-bodied palate offers juicy pomegranate, red currant and oak-driven spice set against an acidic backbone. Taut, fine-grained tannins leave a drying close. Drink 2025–2033.Wine Enthusiast | 93 WE

The 2018 Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne is medium-deep, slightly more garnet in color than the 2017 and in fact the 2017 looks younger. The nose is restrained at first, developing in the glass with delicate cream, spice and a leather note. On the palate It has a jaw-droppingly beautiful texture and weight. This is all about finesse - it is like wearing a very well made suit where you cannot feel you are wearing anything. It is beautifully harmonious - a little less intense than the 2017 but with some brightness and that beautiful weightless quality. It is very Burgundy-like in terms of its weight and texture and reflects the 2018 vintage perfectly with just the right level of concentration and balance.The Wine Independent | 97 TWIOne of my personal favorites, the 2018 Barolo Le Vigne is savory in character and packed with dark fruit. Ripe cherry and redcurrant cedes to spice, licorice and fragrant rose. The oak is integrated, but there are added accents of spice and dark tar. Le Vigne is a blend of fruit from Baudana in Serralunga d’Alba, Villero in Castiglione Falletto, Vignane in Barolo and Merli in Novello.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 96+ RPA taut red, with alluring aromas and flavors of rose petal, strawberry, cherry, tea and graphite fused to an elegant frame. Reveals its structure on the long finish, where there’s plenty of fruit in the end. Delivers terrific balance and harmony. Best from 2025 through 2043. 1,500 cases made, 350 cases imported.Wine Spectator | 95 WSThe delicate mix of creamy red berries and savory, truffley notes keeps your nose glued to the glass. And that subtlety is carried over into the medium-to full-bodied palate, where there’s a youthful balance of silky fruit and lightly firm tannins that drives gently through the long finish. Subtle is the word, but excellent is the verdict. So tempting to drink now, but give it a couple of years. Try from 2024.James Suckling | 95 JSCamphor, violet, red berry and oak-driven spice are front and center on this fragrant red. Elegantly structured and vibrant, the focused palate delivers juicy red cherry, crushed strawberry, star anise and a hint of mocha alongside taut, fine-grained tannins. Bright acidity keeps it balanced. Drink 2026–2033.Wine Enthusiast | 94 WEThe 2018 Barolo Le Vigne is a mid-weight, tightly wound wine, with a classic sense of austerity that will need at least a few years in bottle to start softening. Red cherry fruit, white flowers, mint and chalk lend brightness and tension throughout. In 2018, the blend of vineyards is Baudana, Villero, Vignane and Merli.Vinous Media | 93 VM

Camphor, forest floor, cedar and rose aromas come to the forefront on Sandrone’s stunning 2019 Barolo Aleste. It’s racy and youthfully austere, delivering red cherry, pomegranate, star anise, cedar and white pepper framed in tightly wound, fine-grained tannins. Bright acidity keeps it energized and beautifully balanced. This needs several years to fully unwind and shows serious aging potential. Drink 2029–2049. Abv: 14.5%Kerin O’Keefe | 98 KOAleste is a contraction of the names Alessia and Stefano, grandchildren of the late Luciano Sandrone. With fruit from Cannubi Boschis, the 2019 Barolo Aleste shows important richness and structure. This is the proverbial Barolo with a capital B. It reveals thick layers of dark fruit, cherry and spice. It shows sweet tannins and impactful texture. When tasting at the winery, Le Vigne is usually served first, and Aleste comes after that. Both wines promise a very long aging window.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 97 RPThe 2019 Barolo Aleste is another stellar wine from Sandrone. Like Le Vigne, the Aleste is a tightly wound ball of energy. Dark cherry, mocha, plum, licorice and lavender all race across the palate. This racy, but youthfully austere Barolo has a ton to offer. There’s more density and a darker profile than in the Le Vigne, sort of like a soloist to Le Vigne’s orchestra.Vinous Media | 97 VMAn integrated and well-crafted Barolo with flowers and lemon peel to the cherry and strawberry aromas. Medium-bodied with chewy tannins and a linear drive throughout. Tight and muscular. Well formed. Drink after 2027.James Suckling | 95 JS

Rose, menthol, star anise and baking spice are just some of the aromas that appear on the gorgeous Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne 2019. Focused, elegant and savory, the vibrant palate offers juicy red cherry, spiced cranberry, crushed mint and ground clove before a licorice close. A backbone of fine-grained tannins provide support while bright acidity keeps it impeccably balanced and loaded with energy and tension. What a stunner. Drink 2027–2044. Abv: 14.5% Kerin O’Keefe | 98 KOThe 2019 Barolo Le Vigne is a historic blend of fruit from Baudana in Serralunga d’Alba, Villero in Castiglione Falletto, Vignane in Barolo and Merli in Novello. This year, a fifth site was added to the final blend. It is the Le Coste MGA in Barolo with south-facing exposures and 45-year-old vines in a two-hectare parcel. The backbone of this wine is Baudana, and Merli adds freshness. The wine needs more time in bottle, but already it proves generous and bold with dark fruit, spice and crushed mineral.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 97+ RPThe 2019 Barolo Le Vigne is pure and total seduction. Kirsch, sweet pipe tobacco, mint, cedar, dried herbs and orange peel all grace a Le Vigne built on mid-weight structure and energy. There is a feeling of youthful classicism and austerity that is so beguiling. Readers should plan on being patient, though. The 2019 won’t be ready to drink anytime soon, but there is enough fruit to make me think it will be superb, in time.Vinous Media | 97 VMVery aromatic with hibiscus, crab apple, orange blossom, and ripe strawberry on the nose. Full-bodied, very layered and powerful, yet it remains very fine textured with an intense finish. Slightly more structured than before. Perhaps due to the addition of wines from a new vineyard? Try after 2027.James Suckling | 97 JS