Piedmont Wines

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Lazzarito is a majestic cru in Serralunga, and this sees 30 months in barriques and large barrels, offering unmistakable personality in a ‘third way’ Barolo, a balancing act between ageability and early approachability. Aromatic, tight-knit fruit, forest floor, tobacco and liquorice. Tannins in a state of grace. Assured longevity. Drinking Window 2019 - 2040.Decanter | 97 DECIn many ways, the gorgeous 2014 Barolo Lazzarito is the most surprising wine in the range. Once a stylistic outlier with a considerable French oak influence, today it is much closer to the other Barolos in terms of feel. Deep, dark and intense, with all of the energy of the year very much on display, the Lazzarito is super-expressive and shows a more red-toned profile than is the norm. Kirsch, mint, rose petal and chalk all develop in the glass, while beams of tannin and salinity give the wine shape and persistence. The weight and depth of Serralunga come through on the midpalate and into the finish. Even so, this is in a decidedly laid-back style for Serralunga. In 2014, I especially like the wine’s aromatic presence. Antonio Galloni | 96 AGThis wine represents a tremendous effort. The 2014 Barolo Lazzarito is a powerhouse Nebbiolo. Luca Currado tells me that this is one of the best vintages he has ever made. I felt it important to record his comment here because it comes as a very refreshing affirmation given all the controversy and naysaying that surrounds the 2014 vintage. Lazzarito vines sit in a shallow amphitheater that tends to lock in the summer heat. Indeed, this vineyard site suffers most in the scorching hot years and performs best in the coolest years. The bouquet is opulent and bold with black fruit and distinct traces of sweet chocolate and espresso. The mouthfeel is succulent and rich in natural fruit fiber and sweet tannins.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 95 RPThis is impressively ripe for a wine from this cool, wet vintage, the flavors of dark plum and cherry lifted by scents of lavender, rosemary and orange peel. Lazzarito’s clay-limestone soils imparted cool, ferrous tannins that need time to relax to reveal more of the wine’s warm, earthy layers, so tuck it away in the cellar for a few more years.Wine & Spirits | 95 W&SBright cherry and plum flavors are girded by chalky tannins in this red. Tar, tobacco, green tea and leafy elements add depth and the finish lingers. Best from 2023 through 2040. 527 cases made, 159 cases imported.Wine Spectator | 94 WSGreat freshness and vitality here in terms of 2014 Barolos! Lovely aromas of nuts and floras with just a hint of chocolate as well. Ripe and suave with an elegant tannin structure, making the long finish very satisfying. Drink or hold.James Suckling | 93 JS

For all who criticized the 2014 vintage across the board: this. Opening with enticing scents of new leather, rose, camphor and perfumed berry, it’s a text-book Serralunga Barolo. The chiseled palate is radiant, delivering juicy Marasca cherry, spiced cranberry and licorice while firm, fine-grained tannins provide taut support. Bright acidity keeps it racy, focused and balanced. It beautifully proves that even in challenging vintages, great producers can make great wines. Drink 2024–2034.Kerin O’Keefe | 98 KOThe Figli Luigi Oddero 2014 Barolo Vignarionda awards an immediate sense of place, with the ferrous earth, dried orange peel and balsam herb aromas that are so perfectly characteristic of Serralunga d’Alba. From the cool 2014 vintage, these pretty aromas have been given plenty of time to grow in intensity and clarity, thanks to extended cellar aging. Vignarionda is high, at 400 meters above sea level, and diurnal temperature shifts have evidently solidified and enhanced those pretty aromas. In line with the vintage, the mouthfeel is slightly thinner and smoother, showing a light and elegant textural fabric with silky tannins. This is the estate’s smallest production, with 3,800 bottles to be released in October 2020.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 95 RPAnother highlight in this range, the 2014 Barolo Vignarionda is terrific. Sweet, perfumed and silky on the palate, it captures the captivating bouquet and enthralling beauty that are the signature of this site. Bright red cherry, raspberry, rose petal and mint all meld together in a Barolo of exquisite beauty. This is one of the best Vigna Rionda Barolos. The style here is still a work in progress, but this is a very, very pretty Barolo.Vinous Media | 92 VM