Ettore Germano Barolo Vigna Rionda 2017

"There is no classification of vineyards in Barolo, the way there is in Burgundy, but if there were, Vigna Rionda would be up there at the top of it, a Grand Cru, a Boss Vineyard, clear proof of the existence of a divine being. Those wine drinkers who have been following Sergio Germano’s winemaking for the last couple of decades know what magic he has worked with less prestigious sites in his village of Serralunga, such as the Prapò vineyard, and might wonder what he can do with a parcel of Vigna Rionda. Well, Sergio’s Vigna Rionda is as good as you might expect. The aroma and flavor of this beautiful wine show the unparalleled complexity that is the hallmark of great Nebbiolo, with notes of red currant, wild strawberry, tealeaves, sandalwood, cedar, and tobacco-leaf (amongst others), and massive weight in the mouth without being bitter or coarse, and endless length. This is simply amazing wine, drinkable young if you really can’t wait, but better with at least 10 years in the cellar." -Oliver McCrum