Barolo Aleste (was Cannubi Boschis), Luciano Sandrone 2020

The Luciano Sandrone 2020 Barolo Aleste (with 10,000 bottles released) is layered with sweet earth and drunken cherry. It shows seamless integration and a crescendo of intensity that starts with ripe fruit and dovetails into oak elements, licorice, spice and balanced acidity. This wine is very beautiful in terms of mouthfeel, with length and complexity. Aleste is made with fruit from Cannubi Boschis in the village of Barolo. This is the full monty.

Enticing scents of woodland berry, camphor and exotic brown spice mingle with a whiff of dog rose on the lovely 2020 Aleste from Sandrone. Structured and loaded with finesse, the savory palate features ripe red cherry, blood orange, star anise and a mineral note recalling rusty nail. It’s firm but elegant, with fine-grained tannins while fresh acidity keeps it impeccably balanced. Drink 2027–2032.

A deeper brick color, the 2020 Barolo Aleste is also darker and more introspective on the nose, with notes of fresh leather, baked cherries, dark stones, and umami richness in its hint of porcini. It expands on the palate, with ripe, broad tannins, good freshness, a rich texture, and a long finish. Although it’s a riper wine, it’s going to age gracefully over the coming 15-20 years. (Drink between 2024-2044)