2018 Vietti Barolo Lazzarito

About the Wine

Anyone who knows and loves Nebbiolo would be fortunate to have the single vineyard Vietti wines in their cellar. Compared to the top wines from France, these wines are bargains.

“Vietti makes some of the cleanest, most terroir-driven wines in Piedmont, with a rare subtlety and elegance.” ~Wine Spectator.

Vietti Winery has seminal producers in the history of Italian wine. Forbes spoke about this flagship estate saying that it “has been instrumental when it comes to enlightening the world with a deeper understanding of the various cru vineyards that exist in Piedmont, Italy.” They also called it one of the “25 best Barolo producers.”

The story started in 1800 with Carlo Vietti, but it was not until 1960 that the winery took a 180º turn when Luciana Vietti married recognized winemaker Alfredo Currado. Alfredo made important improvements in the vineyard and the cellar. Vietti was one of the first wineries to ever produce a single vineyard Barolo.

Today, the winery is managed by Luca Currado and his wife Elena. Luca is an extremely talented winemaker. After gaining expertise working in renowned wineries like Simi Winery, Opus One, and Mouton-Rothschild, he went back to the family estate and continued his journey. Today, he’s recognized as one of the most talented winemakers in all of Italy, and his wines are known for being “some of the very finest Italian wine labels.” 

The 2018 Vietti Barolo Lazzarito is a winner. And loved by some of the most important wine critics in the world. Vinous Media spoke highly about it saying that he was “not at all surprised to see such a tremendous showing from Vietti.” He also stated that this wine "is simply brilliant." And Robert Parker called Vietti's wines one of the "most powerful wines in the appellation."

Aging: 30 months in large oak casks and, only a small amount, in barrels. It was bottled without filtration. 

Tasting Notes

100% Nebbiolo. Deep ruby red color with garnet nuances. Fascinating and deep on the nose. Notes of hay, cut grass, tobacco, white pepper, and a hint of mint. Robust, muscular on the palate, with a taut and mineral finish. The tannins are typical of Serralunga: angular, austere, and very deep.

Critical Reviews

The 2018 Barolo Lazzarito represents Vietti's interpretation of Serralunga d'Alba, the village often associated with the most powerful wines in the appellation. The Lazzarito completes its secondary fermentation in barrique over three months and is then racked into large oak botti for an additional two years of aging. With some 8,000 bottles produced in this smaller vintage, the wine is very indicative of its geographic origins with tight black fruit, rusty nail, blood orange, and earth. Compared to the others in this series, this wine delivers more lasting tannic power. A bit salty and savory now, it is well suited to long aging. ~96+ Points, Robert Parker.

The 2018 Barolo Lazzarito is tense, vibrant, and very much closed in on itself. Searing tannins and Serralunga structure dominate today. Crushed rocks, gravel, red fruit, rose petals, lavender, and sage all run through this sculpted, vibrant Serralunga Barolo. What stands out most about the Lazzarito today is that is stylistically more similar to the other Barolos than it was a few years ago. I expect great things in time here. ~94 Points, Vinous Media. 

Round and full of plum, cherry, pomegranate, green tea, and eucalyptus flavors, this red is also dense and muscular. Gripping tannins reign on the finish. Overall, this is balanced and very long. Best from 2026 through 2043. 774 cases made, 225 cases imported. ~94 Points, Wine Spectator. 

Quite a flamboyant feel to this on the nose, showing raspberries and grainy notes, together with hints of fresh mushrooms. Some brighter passion fruit comes through with air. Medium-bodied with an intense core of vibrant fruit and youthful tannin which together, given time, will add length and breadth to the wine. Wait for this one. ~93 Points, James Suckling. 

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