2014 Podere Rocche Dei Manzoni Barolo DOCG Big d'Big, Piedmont

This is perfumed with mint, pine and camphor notes, giving way to cherry, tobacco and iron flavors. Very solidly built, showing beefy tannins that will require some time to resolve. Fine length. Best from 2023 through 2040. 500 cases made.

93 points Bruce Sanderson winespectator.com

The Podere Rocche dei Manzoni Barolo DOCG Big d’Big is a luxurious and powerful expression of Barolo, crafted by one of Piedmont’s most innovative and esteemed wineries. Founded in 1974 by Valentino and Maria Migliorini, Podere Rocche dei Manzoni combines traditional winemaking practices with modern techniques to create wines of unparalleled depth and elegance. The "Big d'Big" cuvée is a testament to the estate’s philosophy of crafting Barolos that embody both intensity and refinement.

The Nebbiolo grapes for this wine are sourced from select vineyards in Monforte d’Alba, a commune renowned for its structured and long-lived Barolos. The vines benefit from south-facing slopes, calcareous soils, and a cool continental climate, which contribute to the wine’s complexity and balance. The grapes are meticulously hand-harvested and vinified with a focus on preserving their purity and expressing the unique terroir.

Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel, followed by extended aging in French oak barrels to enhance the wine's depth and texture. Further refinement in bottle ensures the wine is perfectly poised for release.

The Big d’Big Barolo offers a captivating bouquet of black cherry, dried roses, and plum, intertwined with notes of licorice, tobacco, and a hint of truffle. On the palate, it is full-bodied and opulent, with velvety tannins and a vibrant acidity supporting layers of dark fruit, spice, and earthy undertones. The finish is exceptionally long and complex, promising decades of aging potential.

Ideal for collectors and connoisseurs, this Barolo pairs beautifully with rich dishes such as braised short ribs, wild game, or aged cheeses. It is a wine that elevates any special occasion with its remarkable presence and sophistication.