The 2013 Barolo Le Vigne Sibi et Paucis, the Sandrone library release of the 2013, is an infant. That's the good news. Even better, it is developing at a snails' pace. Bright red-toned fruit, chalk, mint, white flowers and white pepper lend brightness. Readers will have to be patient though, as the 2013 is nowhere near ready to drink. Those who are fortunate to own it should be thrilled. Magnificent.

A late-release bottle that sees another decade of aging in controlled conditions at the winery, the Luciano Sandrone 2013 Barolo Le Vigne Sibi et Paucis is an ambitious effort that seeks to engage lovers of aged Nebbiolo. I wish more wineries in Barolo had late-release programs like this that allow us to buy aged wine directly from the cellars. Showing soft and silky tannins, this wine reveals dark fruit, smoke, tar and licorice. The 2013 vintage is structured, and there is an elegantly dusty quality on the close.

The 2013 Barolo Le Vigne is a sensational, incredibly gorgeous wine. Coming from multiple sites and aged 18 months in 500-liter French oak barrels, it offers a perfumed, intense bouquet of kirsch liqueur, blackberries, graphite, dried flowers, and hints of minerality. Deep, medium to full-bodied, incredibly fine and polished, it’s one of those Nebbioli that packs tremendous power and intensity yet just glides across the palate. It’s the essence of elegance and purity in Nebbiolo.

Intense, lustrous ruby. Beautiful lift and still youthful and firm on the nose with minerally hints, black pepper and leather. Mouth-filling, yet elegant and with plenty of supple acidity and a layer of fine sandy tannins. Very long, finely balanced and with great purity on the finish. (WS)