The 2015 Barolo Acclivi represents a blend of Nebbiolo from various hilltop sites in Verduno that have been selected for the quality of their fruit. The wine takes the concept of a Barolo "base" up one notch, because it represents a special selection of fruit that is not limited to a single parcel. This expression is grounded and even a bit heavier at its core, with more dark fruit and thickness that becomes its defining characteristic. This is especially true in a vintage like 2015 that already starts off with robust and sun-darkened fruit. The wine is not necessarily more accessible—because it is not—but it does offer a thicker caliber of Nebbiolo fruit.

The best of Verduno so the most expressive of the vintage. Lightish cherry red. Stunning aroma of sweet red cherry but somehow not sweet. There's also a dusty/mineral character that plays out on the palate in very fine but very dry tannins. Still a baby but gorgeous in its refined fragrance and subtle tannin/acid structure. Very long. (JH)

Verduno. Tasted blind. Concentrated ruby. Multi-layered, minerally nose with plenty of fruit and hints of exotic spice. Elegant, fluid palate with bags of fine tannins that fill out the fruit. Sensational length and complexity. Plenty of concentration and at the same time elegantly built. (WS)