2020 Luigi Vico Barolo Prapò, Piedmont

Strange thing to say, but I’m so behind with the Barolo/Barbaresco samples. One of those things. This vineyard sits below Cerretta, which is one of my favourite crus.

Strawberry, marzipan, mint and aniseed, quite some dried flower perfume too, along with sweet spices, nutmeg and pimento in particular. It’s medium-bodied, quite svelte and low key in fine silty and silky tannin, a strawberry succulence with plenty of dried spice, some hazelnut and porcini mushroom savoury things, a little blood orange/Campari tang to acidity, closing with excellent length and a lick of ferrous tannin. This is one of the better wines from 2020 I’ve tasted. All just so. I reckon some of that poached strawberry sweetness will blow off with with some bottle age, and then it will be something quite beautiful.

95 points Gary Walsh winefront.com.au

The Luigi Vico Barolo Prapò from Piedmont is a compelling expression of Nebbiolo, crafted with precision and respect for the traditions of Barolo. Luigi Vico, a small but highly respected producer, focuses on creating wines that showcase the distinctive character of Piedmont's terroir, and the single-vineyard Prapò is a standout example of this philosophy.

The Prapò vineyard, located in the commune of Serralunga d'Alba, is renowned for its calcareous clay soils and south-facing slopes, which provide ideal conditions for Nebbiolo. These attributes contribute to the wine's structure, depth, and remarkable aging potential. The grapes are hand-harvested and vinified with traditional methods, followed by extended aging in large Slavonian oak casks to enhance complexity while preserving the varietal’s purity.

In the glass, the Barolo Prapò reveals a deep garnet hue with brick-orange reflections, indicative of Nebbiolo's noble character. The nose is highly aromatic, with notes of dried rose petals, cherry, and redcurrant, layered with hints of leather, tobacco, licorice, and earthy truffle.

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and elegant, with flavors of ripe red fruits, baking spices, and a touch of dried herbs. Fine-grained tannins provide structure and balance, while a lively acidity ensures freshness. The finish is long and complex, showcasing the wine’s finesse and ability to evolve over time.

This Barolo pairs beautifully with dishes such as braised meats, wild game, or aged cheeses. While approachable after decanting, it is best suited for cellaring and will continue to develop complexity over 10-20 years, rewarding those with patience.