The 2016 Barolo Capalot Vecchie Viti is dark, beguiling and very pretty. Rose petal, orange peel, cinnamon, kirsch, sweet red cherry and sweet pipe tobacco give the Capalot striking aromatic nuance and a real sense of exoticism that is quite inviting. Medium in body and constantly changing in the glass, the Capalot captures all of the complexities that make Nebbiolo and Barolo so fascinating. The tannins need time to soften, but there is plenty to look forward to once that happens. (Drink between 2020-2028)
The south-facing Capalot vineyard is 300m above sea level and, with its 80-year-old vines, is the oldest on Alberto Burzi's estate. Here they have a special clone of Nebbiolo with looser clusters and small berries, which enables them to get perfect ripening of the grapes and the tannins. Sweet cherry and fresh earth notes are accompanied by a lovely soft, plump texture and very fine, silty tannins. Very appealing.
