Barolo Le Vigne, Luciano Sandrone 2006

How many dinners start with a wine of the pedigree of Luciano Sandrone’s 2006 Barolo Le Vigne? Not too many. The 2006 was incredibly tight when we opened, but after a few hours of air it is striking. What a wine. The flavor profile and tannin structure are decidedly classic, but the expression of fruit and overall texture are those of the modern school. This is a superb showing from the 2006.

Sandrone's 2006 Barolo Le Vigne possesses awesome balance as intricately woven layers of aromas and flavors come together in the glass. The 2006 is an especially powerful Le Vigne boasting a solid core of floral, red fruits supported by firm yet elegant tannins. This, too, shows the considerable drive and focus that is the hallmark of the vintage. The wine's overall balance is impeccable. Le Vigne is made from parcels in Vignane (Barolo), Conterni and Ceretta (Monforte) and Merli (Novello). The wines are aged separately for a year in 500-liter barrels. The final blend is assembled, after which the wine spends an additional year in oak prior to being bottled. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026.