Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The Le Piane 2008 Boca is absolutely radiant. This is a stellar edition that is shining at this moment in time. The spring and summer seasons were cooler than average, and a violent hailstorm in July cut grape production down by half. The harvest came late (on October 28th), but extreme care was required to painstakingly eliminate the dried-out and hail-damaged berries. This was an extremely labor-intensive vintage, and the results show full generosity and intensity with aromas that span the spectrum from dark fruit to tar, licorice and bitter chocolate. This wine currently occupies a magic spot in its ongoing evolution, and it shows no sign of letting down. The mouthfeel is immense and profound, and that beautiful acidic freshness seals the deal. We encounter that same tension and freshness in the 2013 vintage.
Attracting the most glory, prestige and fame to the Piedmont region, Nebbiolo in all of its expressions—Barolo, Barbaresco, Roero, Ghemme and Gattinara—creates a complex wine, truly unique for its delicate qualities combined with strength and a great potential to improve over time.
But Nebbiolo isn’t all there is to red wine from Piedmont! Barbera is the most planted variety and historically most popular as a dependable, food-friendly, everyday wine.
Beyond these two, a surprising number of red varieties call Piedmont their home. Worth a try include Dolcetto for its bold concentration and aromas of spice cake. Other grapes to investigate include Freisa, Croatina, Brachetto, Grignolino and Pelaverga.