Barolo Vigna Bricco Cerretta, Elio Altare 2014

This is usually the last wine I taste in the Elio Altare lineup, but because of the delicate nature of this vintage, this wine comes after the Barolo Arborina and before the Cannubi (both from 2016) in order of increasing intensity. The 2014 Barolo Riserva Cerretta Vigna Bricco offers sharp intensity and a polished, subdued approach. The aromas presented mirror the wine's birthplace with the dark fruit, ferrous earth, blood orange and tarry licorice that is characteristic of Serralunga d'Alba. It sees 24 months in oak, with only 20% new wood. The wine is dense and well structured, thanks to the quality of the tannins at the back. Some 4,800 bottles were released.