Fratelli Alessandria, Barolo, Gramolere 2010

The 2010 Barolo Gramolere, from 50 year-old vines in one of Monforte's top sites, bursts from the glass with dark cherries, plums, graphite, cloves and menthol. Deep, layered and intensely balsamic, the 2010 captures the personality of this great vintage and site in spades. Violets, lavender, smoke and licorice meld into the explosive finish.

With fruit from Monforte d'Alba, the 2010 Barolo Gramolere comes from a vineyard located between Bussia and Monforte at 400 meters above sea level. This high altitude site has sandy soils and a huge presence of wild mint that grows freely between the vineyard rows. As the wine evolves in the glass, you can just make out that minty signature. Of this estate's various wines, this is the boldest and most structured of the newly released wines. The tannin is soft and almost crunchy, underlining the singular tannic identity of this wine. The wine will appeal to Barolo traditionalists who like a little extra bite in their Nebbiolo.

A wine with watermelon, plum and peach character. Full body, chewy tannins and a pretty depth of ripe fruit. Long finish. Needs two or three years to soften: better in 2017.