This tasting of the 2013 Barolo Lazzarito confirms just how far the wine has come along in recent vintages. Creamy, ample and potent, the 2013 offers an intriguing interplay of aromatics, fruit and structural underpinnings. Gravel, smoke, tar and dark fruit - all signatures of this Serralunga site - are front and center, but it is the wine's overall balance that is most impressive. Scorched earth, leather, smoke and graphite are some of the many notes that reapper on the finish. The 2013 is a real stunner.

This is a Barolo that really focuses on pure fruit with berry, chocolate and floral character. Full body, soft and velvety tannins and a beautiful finish. So much velvet! Gorgeous. Drink in 2020.

Vietti's two hectare holding is in a choice southwest facing section of Lazzarito's natural amphitheatre in Serralunga d'Alba. It sees a short passage in mostly used barriques, followed by 26 months in Slavonian oak botti. The most darkly fruited of Vietti's 2013 lineup, it takes time to reveal evocative scents of earthy rain-sodden underbrush, exotic spice and florals. The palate is broad and concentrated yet energetic, with a note of sage and an irony mineral quality.

The 2013 Barolo Lazzarito shows the power and the intensity of the Serralunga d'Alba township in full force. This is a wine with broad shoulders that carries itself with a confident and proud personality. The wine is infused with dark fruit, blackberry preserves, clove, tar, pipe tobacco, earthy truffle and balsam herb. In terms of Nebbiolo aromas, this wine offers all the classic descriptors. Despite it firmness and the importance of its structure, the wine offers a beautiful degree of richness and succulence that certainly plays in favor of its hedonistic appeal. The Barolo Lazzarito went on the market in March 2017.

Smells weedy, then picks up floral, berry and tar flavors, with a solid band of tannins guarding the finish. Surprisingly balanced, showing a compact finish for now. Best from 2021 through 2036. BS