2018 Barolo Sarmassa
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Barolo Sarmassa (a certified organic wine) is pristine and polished throughout. The Nebbiolo grape has this terrific capacity of delivering deep inner power in a manner that is not immediately apparent. It creeps up on you, delivering more complexity and nuance along the way. Only the 15% alcohol is out of line (this extra heat is a problem throughout the vintage), but the wine otherwise comes together with good focus. Production is 8,692 bottles.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Barolo Sarmassa benefits from the addition of the fruit that would have gone into the Riserva. A Barolo of breadth and power, the Sarmassa possesses terrific depth and plenty of substance. Dark plum, gravel, cured meat, smoke, licorice and incense add to a feeling of somber gravitas. I won't be surprised if the 2018 turns out to be even better than this note suggests. Hints of dried herb, menthol, licorice, tobacco and incense linger on a finish graced with notable aromatic complexity.