Negri, Giulia 2019 Barolo La Tartufaia
What a change since we last tried this. The richness is all hidden today and this is a decidedly austere and reticent showing, though more complex than last year. Delicate and heathery at first sniff, then the cherry and light raspberry toned fruit slowly emerges, but not with the pronounced impact of last year. A hint of something herbal and fresh emerges on the nose as this rises and falls on the palate, tannins building and fading, definitely tannins that need air to develop. This will need plenty of time in the bottle, though the brisk notes of limestone and red fruited notes on the finish bode well for the future. This marries the austerity and reticence of the vintage, the high altitude nature of the vineyard and Giulia’s elegant touch perfectly. -Gregory Dal Piaz, April 2023