Barolo Bricco Fiasco, Azienda Agricola Azelia 2013

The 2013 Barolo Bricco Fiasco shows exceptional balance in this terrific vintage. The wine starts slowly but increases in a steady upswing of intensity and complexity as it takes on air in the glass. This vineyard located in Castiglione Falletto was planted in the 1940s, and the vines are now 80 years old, on average. They are at their production prime, especially when it comes to the nuanced and finessed fruit produced. The soils here show a larger percentage of sand compared to neighboring Serralunga d'Alba, and the wine is more fruit forward and elegant as a result. The bouquet offers pressed rose, violets and warm autumnal notes. Only 6,300 bottles were produced. This is a terrific wine.

This is very structured with dried strawberries, hints of walnuts and dried flowers. Leather as well. Full body, firm and silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Dense and attractive. Better in 2020.

Castiglione Falletto. Tasted blind. Just mid ruby with orange tinges. Cool, herbal cherry nose. Complex cherry with garden-herbs notes on the palate. Succulent, tannic finish, but in need of further bottle age to open up.