2013 Brovia, Barolo, Villero

The 2013 Barolo Villero is magnificent. In fact, the 2013 may very well be the single most impressive young Brovia Villero I have tasted. Specifically, the flavors are vivid, delineated and wonderfully alive. The characteristic Villero spiced/balsamic notes are very much present. Black cherry, menthol, licorice, cloves and lavender infuse the impeccable, layered finish. Today, the Villero is explosive and showy. Readers will have to be patient. This is a fabulous showing.

With only 5,000 bottles produced, the 2013 Barolo Villero is a wine of enormous beauty and purity. The bouquet shows precision and focus with long-range aromas of dried forest berry, spice, wild rose and white licorice. There is a slightly salty or mineral note that adds to the wine's overall dryness and polished nature. This is a beautiful Barolo that requires at least 10 more years in the bottle.

Castiglione Falleto. Bright mid crimson. Smells brown, somehow. Brûlée? Dry leaves on the end. (JR)