All of the power and concentration of the year come through loud and clear in the 2006 Barolo Le Vigne. Dark, virile and incredibly intense, the 2006 is an imposing Barolo that still needs time to be at its best. Hints of rose petal, spice and dark red/purplish fruit open up in the glass, but only reluctantly. Readers need to be patient. With a bit of air, the 2006 shows off its notable breath and resonance. I am confident all the rest will come in a few years' time.

Love the nose on this, which delivers lots of perfumes of dried dark fruits and minerals. Full and very well-integrated, with super silky tannins and a long finish. Better than 2005. Still needs some time, check back after 2014.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 27/02/2010

Sandrone’s 2006 Barolo Le Vigne possesses awesome balance as intricately woven layers of aromas and flavors come together in the glass. The 2006 is an especially powerful Le Vigne boasting a solid core of floral, red fruits supported by firm yet elegant tannins. This, too, shows the considerable drive and focus that is the hallmark of the vintage. The wine’s overall balance is impeccable. Le Vigne is made from parcels in Vignane (Barolo), Conterni and Ceretta (Monforte) and Merli (Novello). The wines are aged separately for a year in 500-liter barrels. The final blend is assembled, after which the wine spends an additional year in oak prior to being bottled. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026.

My visit last year with Luciano and Luca Sandrone was illuminating, as I had an opportunity to taste verticals of both of the estate’s Barolos spanning vintages 2005 through 2009, culminating with exceptional bottles of the 1990s, which I report on in this issue’s “What About Now” feature. Sandrone’s 2006 Barolos are among the unqualified successes of the 2006 harvest. The wines show more richness and density than the 2005s, but less exuberance than the 2007s, in a focused, driven style I find quite attractive.

Sandrone's 2006 Barolo Le Vigne possesses awesome balance as intricately woven layers of aromas and flavors come together in the glass. The 2006 is an especially powerful Le Vigne boasting a solid core of floral, red fruits supported by firm yet elegant tannins. This, too, shows the considerable drive and focus that is the hallmark of the vintage. The wine's overall balance is impeccable. Le Vigne is made from parcels in Vignane (Barolo), Conterni and Ceretta (Monforte) and Merli (Novello). The wines are aged separately for a year in 500-liter barrels. The final blend is assembled, after which the wine spends an additional year in oak prior to being bottled. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026.

My visit last year with Luciano and Luca Sandrone was illuminating, as I had an opportunity to taste verticals of both of the estate's Barolos spanning vintages 2005 through 2009, culminating with exceptional bottles of the 1990s, which I report on in this issue's 'What About Now' feature. Sandrone's 2006 Barolos are among the unqualified successes of the 2006 harvest. The wines show more richness and density than the 2005s, but less exuberance than the 2007s, in a focused, driven style I find quite attractive.

Good deep red-ruby. Wilder aromas of blueberry, camphor and brown spices. Much more strict on the palate than the Cannubi Boschis, with the camphor and brown spice elements currently holding the upper hand over primary fruit. Less silky and more masculine in texture. Finishes chewy, firm and long, with serious tannins currently cutting off the fruit.

Lustrous mid ruby. Hints of dried fruit and cherry and then opens up and shows more and more depth. Same succulent gorgeous fruit with notes of dried cherry and beautiful coating tannins. Enormous length. Stylish. (WS)