Pio Cesare Barolo Ornato 2015 (75cl, 14%)

Pio Cesare Barolo Ornato 2015 is a single-vineyard Barolo from Serralunga d'Alba in Piedmont, made from 100% Nebbiolo. The Ornato vineyard sits above 1,450 feet on steep, well-drained slopes of white limestone and clay. The 2015 vintage was fermented in stainless steel with about 15 days of skin contact, then aged for 36 months in French oak, split between 70% new barrels and 30% large 660-gallon casks. The nose opens with balsamic eucalyptus and wild berry, then rose, espresso, tobacco, wet earth, mushroom, tar and candied orange peel. The palate is full-bodied yet elegant, with Marasca cherry, cranberry, star anise and exotic spice, turning plush with blackberry and licorice in fine-grained tannins. The finish is long and fluid, with sweet red fruit, supple tannins, tar, spice and earthy minerality.