2012 Luigi Baudana 'Serralunga D'Alba', Barolo DOCG, Piedmont

The 2012 Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba is dark, powerful and also quite rustic, with huge tannins to match its earthy profile. Tobacco, scorched earth, herbs and licorice are some of the notes that are pushed forward, while the fruit lies more in the background. It will be interesting to see if this burly Barolo finds a bit more finesse with further time in bottle. Today, that does not appear especially likely. Still, there is plenty of Serralunga character in the glass, that much is clear. Hints of lavender, sage and mint add the closing shades of nuance. Last tasted Mar 2016; Drink 2018-2024.