2018 Barolo, Specola, Figli Luigi Oddero, Piedmont, Italy

La Morra. Grapes come from the Rive cru, which is always the first to be harvested because of its southern exposure, its elevation of 260 m above sea level and the sandy calcareous soils which heat up fast, speeding up phenolic ripeness and sugar accumulation in the berries. ‘You cannot produce a very complex Barolo, but rather a very fine Barolo.’ It isn’t known what clones are in this 60-year-old, mass-selection vineyard.A little more youthful ruby than their Barolo Classico. Profound cherry fruit with a touch of talcum powder. Proper concentration and ripeness on the palate, but still a little backwards. Beautiful balance and finesse with a long, fragrant, chewy finish.Drink 2022 - 2030Walter Speller, JancisRobinson.com (December 2021)

The Figli Luigi Oddero 2018 Barolo Specola shows a slightly ripe and robust profile with dark cherry, plum and a mid-weight texture. It shows an immediate personality with an open-knit texture with a nice sense of fruit weight and concentration. This Barolo has the acidity and richness to pair with wild fowl or game hen.Drink 2023 - 2035monica_larner, Wine Advocate (August 2022)