2011 Luigi Baudana, Barolo DOCG, Piedmonte, Italy.
The Luigi Baudana Barolo, crafted by Giuseppe Vajra of G.D. Vajra, is one of the best and purest Nebbiolo expressions for the money you can find, especially impressive and a super value is the basic Barolo normale all from gorgeous Serralunga d’Alba fruit. The classy and expressively vibrant 2011 Luigi Baudana Barolo highlights the warm vintage with ripe tannins and deep layers, but still manages lovely vitality, freshness and has plenty of structure, making for a wine that can be enjoyed even it it’s youth, but can also age well and gracefully for another 10 to 15 years without a problem. Since 2008 Vajra has been one of Piedmonte’s greatest new talents, both with the G.D. Vajra and Luigi Baudana offerings, Giuseppe has really proven to be a superstar with an amazing range of wines, he is excellent with Dolcetto, Barbera and of course Nebbiolo, and he makes what could be the best Riesling in all of Italy! The Baudana 2011 Barolo starts with a flow of earth, anise, red currant and a mix of rose petals and lavender on the nose, leading to a palate of rich black cherry, raspberry, damson plum and tart backyard strawberry fruits along with flinty minerals, tar, tea spices, cedar, mint and a bit of game and loamy earth. The 2011 is still tight and shy, but opens remarkably well with air and fills out in the mouth, it finishes with surprising detail and length, but it also litters a good dose of dusty tannins and lingering dried currant, black licorice and faint violets. This is a glorious Nebbiolo that has the charms to seduce and thrill, best to give another 2 to 3 years of time, but worth it, knowing the rewards, if you are looking for values in top Barolo, Giovanni Rosso, Brovia, Oddero and this Baudana 2011’s are all awesome wines and killer deals.
($54 Est.) 93+ Points, grapelive
