Sergio's Pick

As much as I love Barolo, pulling a cork within a favorable drinking window can be quite challenging. The tannic edge of Nebbiolo take years to tame and in its youth, the fruit profile is often overshadowed by its structure. This is not the case with this phenomenal bottling by winemaker Gian Luca Colombo. 

This is hands down the most amplified aromatic profile I've experienced from a young Barolo. Classic notes of ripe red cherries, rose petal, tar and white truffles leap out of the glass. The texture is juicy/silky and melt their way towards a deceptively firm, refined tannic grip. The finish is earthy, fruity, with hints of cigar box and dried herbs. This is a seductive bottle that's highly enjoyable in this state of its infancy, and if you're disciplined enough it has extreme cellaring potential. 

Gian Luca Colombo founded Segni di Langa in 2011. In 2014 he was awarded the Giulio Gambelli Prize, which goes to the top Italian winemakers under 40. Despite no designation on the label, other than an acronym on the side, the fruit is entirely sourced from the Bricco Ambrogio Cru in Radda. 2018 marks only the third vintage produced. These are the types of wines that can only come from highly observant, experienced, wine makers. Ever so often, the personality of a winemaker makes their way inside the bottle, the fact that Gian Luca Colombo is doing it at such an early age makes Segni di Langa one of the most promising and exciting wineries in the entire Piemonte.