2013 Barolo, Ester Canale Rosso, Vigna Rionda, Giovanni Rosso, Piedmont, Italy

Incredibly impressive from the outset, the colour is deep for Nebbiolo, reminiscent of Grand Cru Pinot Noir from the Cotes de Nuits. The nose is majestic with notes of ripe black cherries, liquorice, ripe plums and spice. It’s difficult to stop smelling the wine, so compelling is the bouquet. The palate is well worth the wait, though, as it is beautiful in the mouth; the same black and red fruit characters on the nose are complimented by more earthy, meaty notes, crisp acidity and the finest and ripest of tannins.

Everything is perfectly in balance, with all the elements pulling in the same direction. Long and fine, the finish goes on for a minute or more. Effortlessly superb are the words that spring to mind, like the finest vintages of Bordeaux first-growth and Grand Cru red Burgundy. This is truly majestic and what fine wine is all about, in my opinion.

Chris Pollington, Senior Account Manager, Berry Bros. & Rudd