2020 Luciano Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne, Piedmont

The blackberry, spice and tar aromas are enticing and follow through to a full yet tight body that shows density and depth. The tannins are extremely well integrated and feel melted into the wine. Slightly bitter orange and mineral character at the end. Complex and curated. Drink after 2027.

96 points jamessuckling.com

Luciano Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne is a masterfully composed expression of Nebbiolo that captures the breadth and beauty of multiple top Barolo vineyards. Unlike single-cru wines, Le Vigne blends fruit from several elite sites—each with distinct altitudes, exposures, and soil types—creating a Barolo of remarkable harmony, depth, and longevity.

First produced in 1990, Le Vigne is a cornerstone of the Sandrone estate. While Aleste comes from a single plot, Le Vigne is a curated mosaic of cru vineyards such as Baudana in Serralunga, Villero in Castiglione Falletto, and Merli in Novello, among others. This approach reflects the traditional Barolo philosophy of blending to build complexity, while maintaining modern precision and refinement in winemaking.

The fruit is handpicked and fermented with indigenous yeasts, followed by a long maceration and careful ageing in 500L French oak tonneaux—mostly neutral—for around two years. The result is a wine of serious structure, layered aromatics, and age-worthy finesse.

In the glass, it reveals classic Nebbiolo notes—rose petals, sour cherry, raspberry, dried herbs, anise, and tar—with a core of fine tannins and vibrant acidity. The palate is powerful yet poised, carrying flavours of red fruit, spice, and earthy minerality through to a long, resonant finish.

Le Vigne is a wine for collectors and purists alike, made to evolve over decades but already offering glimpses of brilliance with a long decant. It pairs effortlessly with braised meats, aged cheeses, and dishes rich in umami.