LUCIANO SANDRONE Nebbiolo d'Alba, Valmaggiore - Piedmont 2018 Bottle

Description

Luciano Sandrone is a legendary figure in Piedmont, renowned for crafting wines of immaculate precision and elegance. The Nebbiolo d'Alba 'Valmaggiore' 2018 is a stunning testament to his philosophy, sourced from a breathtakingly steep, amphitheatre-like vineyard in the Roero hills. Rooted in sandy, fossil-rich soils, the Valmaggiore terroir yields a Nebbiolo of extraordinary fragrance and finesse, distinct from the heavier clay soils of neighbouring Barolo.

The 2018 vintage, characterised by a balanced and steady growing season, allowed for the development of exceptional aromatic complexity. In the glass, it reveals a luminous garnet colour. The bouquet is highly perfumed and captivating, soaring from the glass with notes of crushed rose petals, wild strawberries, and red cherries, interwoven with hints of liquorice, white pepper, and subtle forest floor.

On the palate, it is medium-bodied and ethereally graceful. The red fruit profile is pure and vibrant, framed by the vineyard’s signature silky, sandy tannins and a spine of bright, mouth-watering acidity. Finishing with remarkable length and a touch of alpine herbs, this is an exquisitely detailed Nebbiolo. Highly approachable now yet capable of graceful ageing, it pairs beautifully with truffle risotto, roasted game birds, or mushroom tagliatelle.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 94+
Reviewed by: Monica Larner
Drink Date: 2020 - 2030
The Luciano Sandrone 2018 Nebbiolo d'Alba Valmaggiore shows a very fruity, fresh and accessible side of the Nebbiolo grape. This wine is open-knit and inviting with a steady succession of aromas that range from red cherry and plum to rosemary sprig and crushed mineral. On some level, you could call it Barolo Lite, although that does not do justice to the Valmaggiore vineyard in Roero that outperforms year after year. The wine is Barolo-adjacent for sure, but it offers its own bright and distinct personality. It's an exciting, new generation of Nebbiolo.

VINOUS 92
Drinking window: 2023 - 2038
A library release from Sandrone, the 2018 Nebbiolo d'Alba Valmaggiore Sibi et Paucis shows lovely hints of maturity, yet also remains quite young. Crushed rose petal, dried red cherry, spice, leather and kirsch all grace the 2018. Its aromatics are already quite open, but there's lovely textural depth here. The 2018 is slender, but also very pretty.

JAMES SUCKLING 91
A delicious, juicy red with strawberries, light chocolate and bark. It’s medium-bodied with lovely fruit and a flavorful finish. Serious nebbiolo. It can age, too. Drink or hold.