Barolo Rocche di Castiglione, Brovia 2013

Brovia’s 2013 Barolo Rocche takes things to another level. It has what Italians call spessore, a sense of textural dimension, that is unreal. All the classic Rocche signatures are amped up in a dramatic, statuesque Barolo that opens up effortlessly over several hours. Sweet floral and spice overtones add brightness, but the 2013 is one of the most potent, virile Rocches Brovia has ever made. It is also stunningly beautiful and moving. What a wine!

The 2013 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is made according to Alex Sanchez's traditional and time-honored approach. The wine is fermented in cement vats and aged in 40-hectoliter oak casks. The purity of fruit is what stands out most, and this is something to be admired in a cool and classic vintage such as 2013. The wine is brimming with tonic energy and verve. Tangy cassis and dark cherry segue to licorice, ash and tar.