2018 Barolo Vite Talin

The 2018 Barolo Vite Talin was tasted alongside the 2019 at the estate and takes a slight edge over the 2019 at this stage. It’s a gorgeous and elegant vintage of this wine, crafted around a clone of Nebbiolo that Luciano isolated in 1987, originally discovered in Le Coste. The wine is not lacking in depth or concentration, although it has a bit more verticality. In the glass, it comes into focus with aromas of grenadine, mint, spiced orange, and baked earth. It has a medium to full-bodied frame, refined tannins, mouthwatering, sanguine iron-richness, and a long and even feel. In the cellar, it was raised for three years in various sizes of French oak, followed by another three years in bottle prior to release.

This has been such an exciting addition to the Luciano Sandrone portfolio. The 2018 Barolo Vite Talin is a bigger-styled Barolo with dark fruit, ample oak shadings and generous concentration. Overall, it is a wine of considerable fruit weight, and that richness is reflected in the grippy nature of the young tannins and the very plump and primary nature of the fruit. There is a note of dried Mediterranean herb, or something like a dried chili husk. You need time to tame that bossy tannin. Production is limited to 2,500 bottles.

The 2018 Barolo Vite Talin is a sexy, opulent Barolo. Although the 2018 does not quite have the pedigree of the best years, it comes pretty close. Succulent dark fruit, clove, gravel, mocha and incense are all front and center. This dense yet mid-weight Barolo will drink well with minimal cellaring.