The 2016 Barolo Aleste is ample, creamy and expansive in feel. But more than that, the 2016 stands out for its freshness, persistence and brilliance. In so many vintages, the Aleste (formerly known as Cannubi Boschis) has been rich and powerful in feel, but in 2016, the wine is all about finesse. The red-fruited, floral purity of Nebbiolo comes through beautifully here; I especially admire the wine's translucence. Wow.

The Luciano Sandrone 2016 Barolo Aleste is a very special wine for several reasons. First, we get that exceedingly smooth and seamless quality that we saw in many of the other new releases in this portfolio. This trait sums up the house style. Second, this vintage delivers impeccable intensity that transcends the various fruit, spice, earthy and ethereal components of the bouquet. That equal intensity spread across all parts of the wine is what creates those beautiful transitions. The wine is layered and rich in terms of mouthfeel with a long, fruit and spice-driven finish. The tannins are tucked in at the back, surrounded amply by the wine's textural richness and fruit weight. ML

A core of ripe, sweet cherry lurks beneath the iron, tar, eucalyptus and tobacco flavors in this firmly structured red, which shows freshness. This has both finesse and power, with a tight matrix of tannins and a long finish. Best from 2023 through 2047. 160 cases imported. — BS

Gorgeous red colour. Deep, complex aromas of licorice, blood orange and red cherry are complicated by strong floral notes (rose, lavender, iris, violet) on the captivating nose. Utterly suave and compellingly deep and luscious, with a muiltilayered quality to its flavours that echo the aromas on the long very floral and mineral finish. A majestic, superb, unforgettable Barolo, the 2016 Barolo (Cannubi Boschis) Aleste is a more intensely floral version of this wine and at the same time one of the three greatest wines Sandrone has ever made, and that’s saying quite something, given this winery has made a bunch of truly memorable, great wines over the years. Just in the last twelve months, I have scored this wine, on separate occasions, 97+, 100 and 99, so it’s fair to say this thing does nothing but impress at each outing. And this time, the fourth bottle, it’s another 100 points. Now called Aleste, this is actually the famous wine formerly known as Barolo Cannubi Boschis, and though I totally respect Luciano Sandrone’s wish to name his most important wine after his two grandkids, this decision was mistaken, cheapening the name of Cannubi Boschis. What the world did not need was yet another fantasy-named wine from Italy: by contrast, identifying terroir on the label in Italian wines might be a good idea, and something the French, for example, do so well. There’s more than one reason why French wines shave the lofty reputation they do, and deserve. Drinking window: 2026-2036. Ian D'Agata Terroirsense.com