2010 Cantine Sansilvestro, Barolo DOCG “Patres” Piedmonte, Italy.
This is a down right steal, a good to outstanding Barolo, under $35, and from a seriously great vintage, San Silvestro imported by Siena Imports has nailed it with this wine. Coming from what is being called the vintage of our generation 2010, this richly flavored and layered Barolo is already drinking pretty darn good, and it should really improve over the next few years in bottle, but this certainly is a wine to drink young as it is pleasingly up front and forward. Most top 2010’s are so tight, you’ll need a good decade to get your head around them, but here is a softer, more gentile Nebbiolo to give you a solid look see at what this vintage has to offer. While modest, the Cantine Sansilvestro Patres gives floral bouquet, salty/spices, hints of game, iron/blood and kirsch leading to a classic palate of tart cherry, plum, raspberry and red currant fruit, hoisin sauce, black fig, wild herbs, truffle, licorice and tar notes. There is some firmness, and tannic structure along with lifting acidity, but overall this is fairly poised and inviting with nice and pretty detail, finesse and charm. There is some pleasure to be found in this low key offering, and while the 2008 Barbaresco is more austere and mature and the 2012 Nebbiolo d’Alba offering varietal purity at under $20, it’s this fine Barolo that steals the show, drink from 2016 to 2020, this is a super effort, be sure to keep an eye out for it.
($34 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive
