Tasting Notes

Extremely aromatic with strawberries, flowers, and stones, following through to a full body with layers of fruit and round tannins that go on and on. Rich and opulent, yet polished and toned. A generous young Barolo. 98pts James Suckling

The 2017 Barolo Cerretta is another powerful wine. Unlike the San Rocco, which is dense in the middle, the Cerretta is distinguished by a more austere, linear feel. Crushed flowers, mint, licorice, blood orange and pine build with time in the glass. The tannins are incisive at this stage, so a few years of cellaring is essential. 95pts Antonio Galloni

This is the second vintage of this new single-vineyard expression from Serralunga d'Alba. It is a family project that has been in the works for decades. This 3,500-bottle release of the Azelia 2017 Barolo Cerretta represents a firm and compact wine that sits tight on the palate. The hot vintage has developed a robust structure and power but has also subtracted from the wine's ruby color intensity. Indeed, its light garnet hue is deceptive once you consider the wine's substantial textural fiber and fruit intensity. There is sweet cherry and plum followed by candied orange peel and rusty iron ore. It should be fascinating to see how this wine evolves, as I imagine the tannins will become softer and pliant with time, but the wine's color will surely fade further. This cru is dedicated to the centennial anniversary of the estate. 94pts Monica Larner - Wine Advocate