Cavallotto, Barolo, Vignolo Riserva 2019

From south- and southwest-facing vineyards near Bricco Boschis, fermented in stainless steel and aged 60 months in large Slavonian oak casks, the 2019 Barolo Riserva Vignolo reveals notes of ripe cherries, fresh leather, mandarin, menthol, and tobacco. Medium-bodied, it carries a compact core of sapidity, bright acidity, and linear drive. Compared to the Vigna San Giuseppe, it shows greater tension and lift, finishing with warming spice and well-defined tannins. Built for the long haul, it should have no problem aging gracefully over the next two decades. 6,566 bottles were produced. Drink 2027-2047.

The Cavallotto 2019 Barolo Riserva Vignolo (a certified organic wine) shows an earthy and savory side with the extra texture and concentration that is characteristic of this warm vintage. With fruit selected from a 1.96-hectare site with 40-year-old vines, the wine reveals a core of black and purple fruits, with dried plum and blackcurrant. It closes with powdery tannins. This Riserva ages for a long 60 months in 20-hectoliter and 50-hectoliter Slavonian oak casks. Production is limited to 6,566 bottles.

The 2019 Barolo Riserva Vignolo is a deep, sensual wine. Dark red cherry, kirsch, cinnamon, blood orange and pomegranate all race across the palate. The aromatics are especially alluring, even if the Vignolo remains a bit less forthcoming on the palate. Kirsch, rose petal and mulling spice explode on the back end. This is the sort of Barolo that is a total turn-on with a bit of age. Actually, it already is.