This is a high-quality, traditional estate in the village of Barolo that is not flashy and thus doesn’t receive as much mention as some, but is worth your while running down.
2019 Dolcetto d’Alba Le Rose
I keep hoping for a repeat of the still-delicious 2017, but neither the 2018 nor this vintage delivered. Boysenberry aromas, medium-weight body, smooth texture, good acidity, but it all comes together in a package without any real interest or distinction. DIAM 5 closure. 12.5% stated alcohol. Lot L 112.20. 85/C
2020 Dolcetto d’Alba Le Rose
Somewhat fuzzy dark fruits in a medium-full body, this is drinkable red wine, but lacks the freshness and ebullience of a captivating Dolcetto. DIAM 5 closure. 13% stated alcohol. Lot 69.21. 86/B-
2019 Barbera d’Alba Castlé
I’m generally not a fan of Barbera, but hot years provide abundant exceptions, and this is one. The wine is round and ripe with juicy and floral dark fruits, some salinity, and a medium-weight body. It’s not a wine to think about, just to enjoy with friends. DIAM 5 closure. 14% stated alcohol. Lot L 157.20. 89/A
2020 Barbera d’Alba Castlé
Another successful Barbera d’Alba from Barale. This wine is medium-light and smooth on the palate with plenty of enjoyable dark plum fruit. Despite the high alcohol, no sense of excess alcohol. DIAM 5 closure. 15% stated alcohol. Lot 323.21. 88/A-
2020 Langhe Nebbiolo
As big a fan as I am of Barale’s Barolo and Barbaresco offerings, the Langhe Nebbiolo always seems correct to me, but nothing more. This wine is medium-light in weight and shows tar aromas and some red cherry and strawberry flavor, but no complexity, depth, or penetration. DIAM 5 closure. 14% stated alcohol. Lot L 186.21. 86/B
2017 Barolo del comune di Barolo
Shortly following a decant, this is a forward, easy-to-like Barolo with floral aromas, a medium-weight body with firmness but round tannins, and chocolate-tinged red fruit flavors. Cork closure. 14% stated alcohol. Lot L 188.21. 89/B
2016 Barolo Castellero
Castellero has traditionally not been considered in the top tier of the vineyards of the town of Barolo, lacking the power and complexity of a Cannubi or Bussia. But these days, tastes are allowing for appreciation of vineyards such as this and Monvigliero in Verduno that emphasize aroma and finesse, and indeed those qualities are present in this wine. This wine has crystalline red cherry and raspberry fruit in a light body with a sensual texture and tannins that are fine but present. The wine can be enjoyed now with an hour or two in the decanter, but will continue to improve for many years. Cork closure. 14% stated alcohol. Lot L 326.19. 93/A
2017 Barolo Castellero
Clearly from a hot year with its moderate acidity and hints of alcohol, this is a forward wine that drinks well already with plenty of sour red cherry fruit and good length, but no great complexity. Cork closure. 14% stated alcohol. Lot L 211.20. 89/B
2015 Barolo Cannubi
Elegant and sensual without quite the tannins of the 2016, this wine shows red cherries and some truffle. Being from a hot vintage and with an additional year of barrel aging, the wine lacks some of the freshness of Barale’s 2016s and seems like a throwback from an earlier era. Despite its immediate approachability, I think the wine likely will show even better in 5-10 years. Cork closure. 14.5% stated alcohol. Lot L 324.19. 92/A
2016 Barolo Bussia Sergio Barale
Quite open after a few hours’ exposure to air, this is a classic wine with red cherry fruit and a silky texture. It can be drunk now and should age well for two decades and more. Cork closure. 14.5% stated alcohol. Lot L 325.19. 94/A
2017 Barolo Bussia Sergio Barale
Medium-light in weight with diffuse red fruits; tannins at first, but with an hour or two decant they largely recede. Disappointing compared to the 2016. Cork closure. 14% stated alcohol. Lot 210.20. 88/B