The 2012 Barolo Le Vigne, here in a library release, is still a very young wine. Bright acids lift a core of red fruit in a Barolo that impresses with its vibrancy. Spice, blood orange, mint, rose petal and lavender open with a bit of time in the glass. The 2012 showed quite a bit of potential as a young wine, now, that potential is really starting to come through. This is a terrific showing.

Purity of fruit and balance here is very impressive. Firm and very silky tannins with a long, long finish that gives the wine amazing depth and intensity. Love the spicy and dense fruit character at the end of the palate. Drink in 2020.

Deep red-ruby. Botanicals marry with black and red cherry on the nose and mouth. Age-appropriate strokes of licorice and some tar (which true Barolo experts know is rarely present in young Barolos) make for a complex, beautiful Barolo. This has a higher acid mouthfeel to it than many other 2012 Barolos (2012 was a hot vintage), and it’s that elegance and lift that sets this stunning wine apart from the others. Drinking window: 2023-2038. Ian D'Agata Terroirsense.com

The Luciano Sandrone 2012 Barolo le Vigne shows the trademark ripeness that I so often identify in this historic product. The bouquet is round and plush with thick layers of dark cherry marmalade, blackberry preserves and dark currant. Beyond those apparent fruit aromas, Le Vigne offers dark spice and licorice with a beautiful menthol signature on the finish. The wine's natural structure is padded by soft tannins and lush fruit consistency. In all, this important wine is less vibrant and distinctive compared to other excellent vintages such as 2008 and 2010. ML