Jancis Robinson, Master of Wine:
This 2018 Barolo Lazzairasco has mineral notes with hints of tar and cinnamon bark. Sweet and elegant raspberry on the palate. Appears somewhat youthful with fine sandy tannins. Already ready to drink, but still very good development potential.
The 45-year-old Nebbiolo vines are located in a south-eastern position on a steep slope called Lazzairasco, which belongs to the Cru Lazzarito and is considered one of the top locations in the municipality of Serralunga D'Alba and beyond. The 2018 Barolo Lazzairasco is made from the berries of these vines. This location is particularly sheltered from the wind, also very sunny, and the soil consists of different layers of sand, clay and mostly loam. This type of soil generally promises long-lived, full-bodied and very expressive Barolo wines.
The berries for this Lazzairasco are picked by hand in October and carefully selected for further processing. They are then immediately destemmed and gently pressed in the nearby wine cellar. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by a 2-year aging in large Slovenian oak barrels, followed by a year of bottle aging. The Barolo is ready to drink immediately and for the next 10+ years.
This wine smells of predominantly red berries with light tobacco and blackberry aromas. Ripe, warm, relatively juicy fruit on the palate, fine sandy tannins, good persistence, noticeable but well-integrated alcohol. Long finish with hints of chocolate. Good accompaniment to lamb, game and red meat. Drinking window: 2022- 2032