“One of the very best values found anywhere in Barolo.” - WA

Do you have any plans for 2045? Make sure you save a bottle of this, adds Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, it will still be at peak drinking before it hits the slow downward path if you store it well.

Just so you feel safe about that long a wait, Vinous says “Vittore Alessandria’s 2017 Barolos are among the finest wines of the vintage,” and *Wine Advocate further elaborates: *“This is by far the finest set of wines I have tasted from Fratelli Alessandria, and I cannot recommend this estate enough for value-wine seekers and collectors alike. There is something for every Nebbiolo-loving palate in this portfolio, and all these wines hit the ball straight out of the park. Congratulations.”

Congratulations are in order for you too. Last year we sold out the 2016 so fast that despite the shorter vintage, the importer was compelled to offer up this 2017 too. Again, though, it’s short, even less is available, so apologies in advance for running out early. Oh, like a general decorated in medals all over, the string of accolades on this beauty is impressive and lengthy, make sure you secure what you need before doing all that reading, and diving into the glass with us…

Fiery ruby in the mid-scaled rim with a core that approaches a crimson opaqueness. What a perfume! Have you ever picked wild berries in a lush forest after a summer rain? This smells like that experience and then some. The palate strives for that near unattainable balance with glorious tannins enveloping a silky core of juiciness. The magnificent finish is long, as a feast night that ends up in an old library with Port and cigars. If you open one of these too young, remember to let it breathe, and make sure you cook something glorious up with mountains of butter, eggs, and mushrooms, even better - truffles - so worth the splurge, rare as they are.

Speaking of RARE…

The countdown to zero has begun, grab what you can.

94 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“This is by far the finest set of wines I have tasted from Fratelli Alessandria, and I cannot recommend this estate enough for value-wine seekers and collectors alike. There is something for every Nebbiolo-loving palate in this portfolio, and all these wines hit the ball straight out of the park. Congratulations. This is the classic Barolo from Fratelli Alessandria, made with a blend of fruit from various sites in Verduno. (From the 2017 vintage forward, the new name “del Comune di Verduno” will reflect its origins.) The 2016 Barolo opens to tight elegance and a nervous quality that pits red fruit energy over lean fruit weight. The results are graceful, lithe, fragile and lasting. The wine’s aromas unfolded slowly and seductively, revealing wild berry, cassis, bitter cherry, toasted almond and blue flower. This is a dreamy wine that promises more beauty as it continues its bottle evolution. This is one of the very best values found anywhere in Barolo. Drink 2024-2045.”

94 Points – Wine Enthusiast

“Wild red berry, camphor, truffle and dark spice aromas form the inviting nose. Elegantly structured, the savory palate also has youthful tension, delivering ripe Morello cherry, raspberry compote, star anise and tobacco blend set against taut, fine-grained tannins. Give it a few more years to fully develop. Drink 2024–2031.”

93 Points – James Suckling

“Nicely perfumed nose with dried wild strawberries and some chalky minerals. Medium to full body with sweet and tangy fruit flavor and a hint of vanilla growing through the palate. The tannins are firm, but under control and are starting to meld into the wine. Give it a year or two to integrate more fully. Drink from 2023 onwards.”

92 Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous

“Vittore Alessandria’s 2017 Barolos are among the finest wines of the vintage. Consistency is always a hallmark of top estates, and that is exactly what readers will find here. Alessandria’s 2017s are deep, fleshy and full of character. The 2017s spent 30-35 days on the skins, with extended maceration in which the cap is floating, but not totally submerged. The malolactic fermentation was in steel, after which the wines were racked into cask and then bottled with 34 months in oak. The 2017 Barolo del Comune di Verduno is an absolutely gorgeous wine. This is the first vintage in which the Barolo ‘classico’ becomes a Barolo del Comune di Verduno, in other words, a wine only from Verduno. Pliant and deep, the 2017 is striking right out of the gate. A wine of tremendous balance, the 2017 is a total pleasure to taste. Today the flavors are naturally quite primary, but there is so much to like. Bright red berry fruit, blood orange and spice punctuate the finish. Vineyard sites are Rivarocca, plus smaller pieces from Pisapola, Campasso, Rocche dell’Olmo and Boscato. Drink 2024-2037.”