Brezza Barolo Sarmassa 2014 (75cl, 13.5%)

A single-vineyard Barolo made from 100% Nebbiolo by Giacomo Brezza e Figli, from the 2014 vintage. In 2014 no Riserva was produced, so all of the finest Sarmassa fruit went into this bottling. The Sarmassa vineyard sits on blue clay soils with an exposure that offered protection from the climatic challenges of the season. Grapes are hand-picked, de-stemmed and fermented in stainless steel with native yeasts over eight to nine days, then aged for a minimum of two years in large 30-hectolitre Slovenian oak botti. The nose opens with camphor and dried rose, then aromatic herbs, aged leather, pine and alpine freshness. The palate is focused and elegant, with red cherry, cranberry, star anise, rosemary and bright red fruit, supported by firm, refined tannins and vibrant acidity. The finish is long and dry, with black pepper, rosemary and a trace of oak.