Barolo Lazzarito, Vietti 2010

The 2010 Barolo Lazzarito is impeccably polished, silky and refined, especially for a Serralunga Barolo. Mint, violets, black fruit, smoke and deep layers of spices are some of the many notes that flesh out on the inviting, textured finish. Today, the Lazzarito is incredibly primary to the point of being raw and undeveloped, but it is explosive, bursting with energy and flat-out great. This is also the first recent vintage I can remember tasting where the French oak is more in line with the other single-vineyard Barolos.

With recently expanded acquisitions in this vineyard cru, the 2010 Barolo Lazzarito shows an expansive personality with pretty tones of crushed rose and red berry fruit that give the wine a delicate, feminine approach. Like the other wines in Luca’s portfolio of new releases, this Barolo is years away from its prime drinking potential. The next ten years should see a steady evolution of aromas stemming from the spice, tar and licorice layers already on display despite the wine’s young age. The mouthfeel is fine and polished with a great sense of purity and balanced freshness. Drink: 2018-2035.