2013nobili2013 Nobili, Valtellina Superiore “Sassella” Lombardy, Italy.
A wonderful experience these Nobili Valtellina’s, a great and generous sharing from a friend who bought them at the winery and carried them home to show a few friends, they are beautiful expressions of mountain Nebbiolo! Tasting through the lineup of these quality offerings from Nobili, including this pretty and intriguing Sassella, plus their mineral driven Inferno and the Amarone style Sforzato Montescale, all of these are lovely, natural and earthy with wondrous layers of flavor. I think both the Inferno and Sforzato are great wines, though might need more time, like Barolo, to develop all their detail, but young, the Sassella is just more open and pleasing with a mixed floral perfume, subtle truffle, leather and savory tones going fantastic with delicate plum, cherry and vine picked briar berry fruits. The Sassella is made from all estate grapes grown in the Sondrio area of Sassella, known locally as Chiavennasca, the Nebbiolo grapes are native/natural fermented over 20 days and raised in barrel, mostly used French oak for three years. With harvest happening in November, these long hang times add to the full and complex array on the palate with dried roses, liquid violets, red berry and wild anise in this medium bodied wine. A nice acidity, stony elements and saline also give focus and lift in Nobili’s Sassella, what a treat to taste these beauties. Clear and pure in character the Nobili Sassella Valtellina Superiore 2013 is gorgeous with cuisine and should age for another 5 to 10 years, though I adore it now!
($30 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive

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