100% Nebbiolo
Winemaker Notes
Nebbiolo d’Alba Valmaggiore 2016 is a noble wine, exemplified
by its natural elegance and complex character. It has ruby color that shows the
first garnet reflections. The aromas are full and complex. Fragrant notes
recall iris and aromatic herbs, then wild strawberry, pomegranate and candied
raspberry. This is followed by evolved, complex fruit structure with red fruit
jam and dried apricot, followed by spicy notes of cinnamon and vanilla. The
taste is dry, elegant, warm and persistent. The alcoholic structure and acidity
harmonize successfully and show finesse in their character. The wine will
improve with proper cellaring, growing into its aristocratic heritage: complete,
authoritative and harmonious.
94 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
About ten producers make wine in the Valmaggiore cru in Roero
(many of whom are reviewed here), and these wines get better each year I return
to taste them. The 2016 Nebbiolo d’Alba Valmaggiore is particularly beautiful,
thanks to ideal growing conditions during that year. The Sandrone family counts
3.5 hectares in this location. As an alternative to Barolo, this wine presents
a soft and graceful side of Nebbiolo with delicate fruit nuances and distinct
mineral etchings. Indeed, the wine is almost salty in taste. The sandy soils of
Valmaggiore contribute to shaping the wine’s lively ruby appearance and those
tangy wild berry aromas. This wine is only aged in neutral oak.
91 points James Suckling
Beautiful aromas of blackberries and plums with fresh flowers,
follow through to a full body, firm and silky tannins and a flavorful finish.
Just a hint of asphalt and tar at the end gives it interest on the palate.
90 points Wine Spectator
Pure cherry flavor defines this red, with supporting notes of
earth, tar and underbrush. This is firm yet well-proportioned, with a slightly
chewy licorice-tinged finish. Best from 2020 through 2027.
90 points Wine & Spirits
Fruit for this wine comes from the steep slope of Roero’s
Valmaggiore cru, where sandy soils give a wine with lifted floral tones, fresh
cherry flavors and polished tannins. The wine rests for about a year in second –
and third – passage tonneaux, picking up subtle spice notes that complement the
lively fruit flavors.
