Barolo, Elio Altare 2014

The 2014 Barolo is a charming wine that shows us what can be accomplished when fruit selection is severe. Silvia Altare tells me that she lost up to 60% of her Barolo production in the very challenging 2014 vintage. In fact, bottle production for this wine is only 4,500, compared to 12,000 bottles made in any other average vintage. Because she had so little fruit to use, the wine maintains its quality standards and will definitely surprise all those 2014 naysayers. The bouquet opens to thick layers of cherry fruit, blackberry, spice and wild rose. The mouthfeel offers medium weight with good fiber and lasting softness.