2013 Lapo Berti, Barolo DOCG, La Morra, Piedmonte, Italy.
The Lapo Berti Barolo, from La Morra, is crafted from the two historic Cru parcels, one in Bricco Rocca and the other in Fossati which adds to up to a pure and lovely wine full bodied from the 2013 vintage and endowed with terroir driven class. Made in old school tradition and with a nod to natural winemaking methods, this Lapo Berti was fermented with native yeasts with absolutely no additions, very low sulfur, and treated to a gentile/cool maceration with the wine aged in neutral used barrels in the cellar. Imported/selected by the Oregon Pinot Noir legend John Paul of Cameron Winery of the Willamette Valley, who also makes a selection of Nebbiolo(s) from his own vines and is a well known Italian wine freak! As mentioned on the 2012 vintage, these pedigreed vineyards showcase(s) the best of these terroirs, that are set on the classic marl soils, in prime hillside sites with perfect exposures, with Fossati giving beauty, textural pleasure and ripe tannins, while the Bricco Rocca brings a feeling of elegance, focused detail and minerality. The 2013 is still tightly youthful and takes quite a while to open up, pretty standard for Nebbiolo, but once it gets going it unfolds in primal character with dark flowers, crushed rock, brandied cherries and truffle notes before layers of damson plum, minty herbs, fine grained, but sweet tannins, orange rind, strawberry and a touch of black licorice as well as a hint of forest floor. This vintage should really get better over the next 3 to 5 years and drink well to about 2028, this 2013 Lapo Berti only teases it’s true potential at this stage with a good amount of rustic charm, it’s a bit fuller, darker with a deeper garnet hue in the glass and more brawny than the prior vintage, but more rewarding with cuisine and with cellar time it should be a treasure in the years to come. In a week we mourn the loss of Beppe Rinaldi, the iconic Barolo grower and outspoken natural wine advocate, this Barolo (inspired by Rinaldi style wines and of which was made in the same authentic manner) was a nice tribute, be sure to look for this wonderful and value priced Nebbiolo.
($39 Est.) 93+ Points, grapelive

By admin