The Sandrone family runs an outstanding museum program called Sibi et Paucis. This Latin name translates roughly as “for the few and favoured”. Each year, about 10 to 15% of the production of their Nebbiolo wines (Le Vigne, Aleste and Valmaggiore) is held back in the winery’s underground cellars under optimal aging conditions to provide this producer’s long-term clients with aged-release wines that are closer to maturity. It was Luciano Sandrone’s dream that one day, all his wines would be released only when they were ready to drink. Currently, the Sibi et Paucis wines are re-released six years after the vintage for Valmaggiore and 10 years after the vintage for the Barolos. It is a wonderful initiative, and each release comes with a stamp on the label to differentiate it from the original release. Below are the third-party notes pertaining to the re-released wines, i.e. they are all recent tastings and reviews. Having tasted the wines on more than one occasion, we can say categorically that they are all singing. In what was clearly a challenging year, Sandrone’s outstanding 2014 wines were among the highlights of the vintage (as many of our clients will already attest). Many journalists were quick to dismiss the year given the difficulties of the growing season, yet the best estates far outperformed initial expectations. As a winemaker friend of ours once said: “Time cuts out all the bullshit.” “It’s easy to focus on the great years,” Luciano told us when his 2014s were first released. “But the wines we make from the challenging years bring me the most satisfaction, the ones that make me the proudest.” Only an estate run by a driven perfectionist could reach such heights (the Sandrone family employed 38 people for farming when the average harvest at this time required only 22 pairs of vineyard hands). Waiting for the right moment to harvest, being willing to undertake a strong green harvest, and making a strict selection during the vintage all paid dividends.

Obtained from Nebbiolo grapes grown in Barolo and Novello vineyards. Aged in oak barrels as long as necessary according to the vintage. A really great full – bodied wine, complex and seductive on the nose, rich and soft on the palate. It is full of character and vigour, yet delicate, elegant, harmonious, with hints of wood and almonds and clear-cut tannins. A wine for cellaring, but also great to drink when released.

The Pizzini Strength of Site L'Aquila Nebbiolo 2019 from King Valley is a stunning wine that embodies the essence of the region. On the nose, intense aromas of red cherry, dried herbs, and violets envelop the senses. The wine has a beautiful ruby red color with hints of garnet, indicating its youth and potential for ageing. On the palate, this wine is powerful and robust, with firm tannins and a lively acidity that balances out the rich fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry. The wine also displays subtle notes of tobacco and earth, adding depth and complexity. This vintage of Pizzini Strength of Site L'Aquila Nebbiolo is a testament to the skill of the winemakers at Pizzini Wines, showcasing the true strength and character of the Nebbiolo grape in the King Valley. It is a wine that will continue to evolve and impress for years to come.

This 2017 Rocche Costamagna Barolo DOCG Roche dell'Annunziata Riserva Bricco Francesco is a true gem from Piedmont, Italy. The wine exudes an intense ruby red color, hinting at its bold and complex nature. On the nose, one is greeted with a bouquet of ripe dark fruits, such as black cherry and plum, along with subtle notes of licorice, tobacco, and spices. These aromas continue to dance on the palate, where they are met with firm tannins and a full-bodied structure. The luscious fruit flavors are complemented by hints of vanilla and oak, adding depth and complexity to the wine. This vintage embodies the classic elegance and power of a Barolo, with a lingering finish that leaves a lasting impression. Enjoy now or cellar for even more depth and character.