Marchesi di Barolo 'Barolo Sarmassa' 2012

Deep garnet red. Intense aroma with clean scents of wild rose, vanilla, licorice and spices. Feather the resin of pine and tobacco. Taste is full and elegant, full bodied, with tannins in evidence. Enjoyable are the spicy and woody notes that blend perfectly.

It goes perfectly with the traditional egg pasta from the Langhe, Tajarin (Piedmont spaghetti) and ravioli al plin, with roasts, stews, braised meats and game. It ‘perfectly matched with cheese from goat’s milk and aged one.

93 Points - Wine Spectator    This is opulent, boasting cherry, licorice, leather and spice flavors embraced by a fleshy texture. The sweet fruit carries through to the long finish, accented by tobacco, tea and wild herb notes. Best from 2020 through 2033.

93 Points - James Suckling    Sarmassa cru made beautiful wines in 2012 and this is very aromatic with rose petal and raspberry aromas. Very subtle aromatically. Full-bodied, chewy and tannic, yet has a pretty dusty texture giving the wine a softness at the end with bright acidity. Better in 2020.

92 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate    The 2012 Barolo Sarmassa delivers a healthy quota of muscle and brawn. Despite its power, it also shows deep inner elegance that does not go unnoticed. This Barolo still needs time to find its footing and it requires five (or more years) of cellar aging before it reaches a better place of integration and balance. At this stage, it shows depth, austerity and a promising succession of dark fruit, cola, tar and toasted spice.