The 2010 Barolo Cannubi sends a slightly muffled message with various contrasting layers of fruit, spice, cola and dried herb that will soon reach a more satisfying equilibrium. The mouthfeel is on the sharp and raw side with tight tannins that show the astringent side of the generally genteel Cannubi cru. Drink: 2016-2024.
The Brezza estate includes 16 hectares of vines at the heart of Barolo and focuses on traditional interpretations of Nebbiolo. That said, the 2010 vintage definitely requires a healthy period of aging patience partly because of this soft-handed winemaking approach. My feeling is that these samples were partially shut down at the time of my tasting. I wonder how they will taste five or ten years from now. I did have a chance to re-taste samples of the same wines from 2009 and was left with a fabulous impression (that confirms the high scores I gave last year). That vintage is far more immediate soft and forthcoming. The 2010 wines may ultimately taste better further down the road, but only time will tell.
Various American Importers, including: Acid Inc. Selections, New York, NY; tel. (917) 687-4848; P&S Wine Company, Portland, OR; tel. (503) 265-3155; Ideal Wine & Spirits, Medford, MA; tel. (781) 395-3300