Sandri, Elio (Cascina Disa) 2017 Barolo Perno Riserva

There is no better test to the caliber of a winemaker than seeing fantastic wines come out even in "bad" vintages. 2017 saw its' share of challenges with bouts of frost followed by a prolonged period of drought but Elio Sandri has still coaxed out some fantastic Barolo from Monforte.

On the nose you get the trademark soil expression of Cascina Disa, heady notes of tar, liquorice, tobacco with some bold red fruit upon opening. The wine is savory on the palate with lots of earthy structure intertwined with some anise leading to great acidity. 2017 saw some cool nights especially which really helped preserve freshness in the wines. A really complex wine by any standard even more so given the vintage.

This is a short-term Barolo, drink now and over the next 5-8 years while you let your 16's and 19's age.

-Ranggy Tapia