Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne (1.5 Liter Magnum) 2012

Professional Ratings

• 95 Wine Spectator
  A hint of oak lends this a spicy component, along with cherry, licorice and tar flavors. Racy and bright, with fine intensity and a long, tightly wound finish that seems to go on forever. Shows beautiful purity and class. Best from 2020 through 2036.
• 95 James Suckling
  Purity of fruit and balance here is very impressive. Firm and very silky tannins with a long, long finish that gives the wine amazing depth and intensity. Love the spicy and dense fruit character at the end of the palate.
• 93 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  The Luciano Sandrone 2012 Barolo le Vigne shows the trademark ripeness that I so often identify in this historic product. The bouquet is round and plush with thick layers of dark cherry marmalade, blackberry preserves and dark currant. Beyond those apparent fruit aromas, Le Vigne offers dark spice and licorice with a beautiful menthol signature on the finish. The wine's natural structure is padded by soft tannins and lush fruit consistency. In all, this important wine is less vibrant and distinctive compared to other excellent vintages such as 2008 and 2010.
• 93 Wine & Spirits
  Sandrone selects fruit from four crus to make Le Vigne, blending a wine with flavors of macerated cherries and sweet vanilla, laden with notes of black spice, menthol and tobacco. The wine’s texture is smooth, its tannins having been polished during the two years it rested in 500-liter French oak barrels. Notes of lavender and orange zest brighten the darker fruit flavors as the wine evolves over several hours. The fruit and spice flavors linger vibrantly on the finish.