Giovanni Rosso Barolo 2015, Piemonte, Italy

Dried oranges, rose petals, citrus and fresh herbs. Medium to full body, grainy tannins and a spice-driven, flavorful finish. Drink in 2021.

The Giovanni Rosso estate makes some very pretty wines from the Serralunga d'Alba subzone in the Barolo appellation. This classic wine, the 2015 Barolo, provides a good introduction to the distinct taste profile shared by the two single-vineyard wines, Cerretta and Serra, also reviewed here. However, this wine hails from the warm and sunny 2015 vintage and supplies a greater kick of soft cherry fruit and rich concentration when compared to the more streamlined, long-term 2016 vintage. Those dark primary fruit aromas, the acidity and the tannic imprint are all beautifully measured to the enhanced intensity of this pretty and well-priced 2015 Barolo.

Camphor, wild berry, blue flower and brown spice aromas lead the way. The taut palate shows cranberry, pomegranate, baking spice and a hint of chopped mint alongside fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity.

Fresh, offering cherry, strawberry, rose and white pepper aromas and flavors. Graceful, yet with ample grip on the long, dense and dusty finish. Captures the best of the vintage. Best from 2022 through 2040.

The 2015 Barolo is concentrated with dried black cherry, tar, and leather. The palate has a fairly approachable structure considering the vintage, with plum, turned earth, and dried violets. Enjoy over the next ten or more years. 2021-2031.?