2018 Barolo

More red-fruited and high toned in its aromas of raspberry fruit, the 2018 Barolo is rounder in its feel, with fine tannins and notes of fresh orange, dusty earth, saline, and ripe peach. It is drinking well now, and I believe it will have more life in it over the next 10-15 or so years. This tiny new home estate is led by Paolo and Ileana Giordano in Perno. They currently own and operate five hectares, with three hectares of Nebbiolo with Barolo certification and the rest composed of a mere 1000 meters of Dolcetto, 3000 meters of newly planted Barbera, and the remainder dedicated to Langhe Nebbiolo. Ilena’s father had purchased the land in 1984, though he was not particularly attracted to the farming life. In 2015, Ilena’s husband Paolo left his job as a computer programmer to fulfill his dream of becoming a farmer and winemaker. In 2018, they began to make wine in the cellar of a friend in Monforte d’Alba and have now moved production to their home garage in Perno. The wines show great promise, offering good focus and ripe, attractive, supple fruit that is approachable now.