The 2017 Barolo Acclivi is rich, enveloping and so expressive. Black cherry, lavender, spice, menthol and licorice fill out the layers nicely. Medium in body, with soft contours for a young Barolo, the Acclivi is so expressive today, before it starts to shut down with air. That bodes very well for its future. As it has been for a number of years, the Acclivi is the hidden gem in this range. The 2017 is a blend of Monvigliero, Neirane and Rocche dell' Olmo, with less Monvigliero than normal because the younger vines went into the Langhe Nebbiolo, and a correspondingly higher presence of Rocche dell'Olmo.

The Comm. G.B. Burlotto 2017 Barolo Acclivi (with 7,000 bottles produced) represents a blend of selected fruit from various sites around Verduno, including old vines in Monvigliero, Neirane, Bocato and Rocche dell’Olmo. The wine shows that electric and jazzed quality that we see from the other wines in this portfolio, only here you get additional concentration and structure at the back. That muscle power is actually quite contained, but given the context of these super fine and nuanced wines, Acclivi shows special determination. To the palate, this wine delivers a more lasting structural and textural impact.

Light ruby. Gorgeously sweet and seductive red fruits and such a hint of sweet spice. Big, muscular tannins but there's enough flesh to make a complete wine. Chewy, full in the mouth and still manages a refined finish. (JH)