JD
94
Jeb Dunnuck
JS
98
James Suckling
RP
94
Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate
WE
92
Wine Enthusiast
WS
96
Wine Spectator
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Azelia Barolo Cerretta 2017

Product description
The Azienda Agricola Azelia, in the centre of the area of Barolo production, is composed of 16 hectares and it produces, on average, 80,000 bottles per year. Luigi is supported by his wife Lorella and his son Lorenzo, who bears the name of his grandfather and who represents the fifth generation of wine producers. Great care is given to the work in the vineyards. Wine is made there from old vines which produce very few grapes. The low yields are further reduced through the green harvest, indispensable to select fruits, to have a uniform ripening and an impeccable quality. 

An explosive energy of Serralunga d’Alba shows in this wine, with grace and vigor. Black cherries, wild berries and plums with menthol, sage and saline notes. Pure ardor. The wine is aged 30 months in large casks.

98 Points James Suckling     Extremely aromatic with strawberries, flowers, and stones, following through to a full body with layers of fruit and round tannins that go on and on. Rich and opulent, yet polished and toned. A generous young Barolo.

96 Points - Wine Spectator    Decadent cherry and currant aromas signal this vibrant, complex red, whose core of ripe fruit defines the palate, with supporting roles from eucalyptus, leather, licorice, tar and mineral. The tannins are dense and alive, while the finish goes on and on. Best from 2026 through 2050.

94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate    This is the second vintage of this new single-vineyard expression from Serralunga d'Alba. It is a family project that has been in the works for decades. This 3,500-bottle release of the Azelia 2017 Barolo Cerretta represents a firm and compact wine that sits tight on the palate. The hot vintage has developed a robust structure and power but has also subtracted from the wine's ruby color intensity. Indeed, its light garnet hue is deceptive once you consider the wine's substantial textural fiber and fruit intensity. There is sweet cherry and plum followed by candied orange peel and rusty iron ore. It should be fascinating to see how this wine evolves, as I imagine the tannins will become softer and pliant with time, but the wine's color will surely fade further. This cru is dedicated to the centennial anniversary of the estate.

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck    The 2017 Barolo Cerretta has layered aromatics of dried black cherry, leather, dried thyme, and tar. The palate is classically structured with tension and firm tannic grip and a long finish. The Cerretta’s savory dark fruit is persistent, with extracted black tea and dried earth. This is deserving of additional time in cellar and will benefit from 3-6 years before enjoying 2025-2045.

92 Points - Wine Enthusiast    Camphor, cedar and leather aromas come to the forefront along with whiffs of underbrush and blue flower. Firmly structured, the palate is quite austere, offering tart cherry, orange zest and tobacco alongside assertive, close-grained tannins that leave a grippy finish.