I absolutely adore this wine on every emotional and intellectual level. I can still taste it today, weeks after my first sampling. The Luciano Sandrone 2016 Barolo Le Vigne is a stirring and profound expression that pulls on your heartstrings. I found it to be unforgettable, quite literally, inspiring one of those celebrated "wow" moments that we wine lovers so desperately seek in bottle after bottle. Le Vigne is a clever blend of fruit from Baudana in Serralunga d'Alba (offering the power), Villero in Castiglione Falletto (shaping the precision), Vignane in Barolo (adding to the purity of the aromas) and Merli in Novello (that helps to flesh out the fruit). This intersection of various vineyards spanning the appellation creates a pyramid of perfection and beauty. The wine shows large construction, but that fruit weight is balanced against the vivid cherry, spice, aniseed, and campfire ash that gently lift from the bouquet. ~100 Wine Advocate
The 2016 Barolo Le Vigne is brilliant and explosive in the glass, with tons of brightness, energy, and tension. Classically austere, the 2016 is going to take a few years to be at its best, and yet the wine is so arrestingly beautiful today. A mix of freshly cut and dried flowers, mint, and pine add an intriguing upper register. In 2016, Le Vigne is finely chiseled and sculpted from start to finish. Bright saline notes add a closing kick of freshness. ~98 Jeb Dunnuck
Fragrant, full-bodied, and boasting great finesse, this delicious Barolo hits all the right buttons. It opens with enticing aromas of woodland berry, rose, camphor, botanical herb, and exotic spice while the elegantly structured palate doles out juicy red cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice, and cinnamon. Firm, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity keep it impeccably balanced. It's already tempting but hold for even more complexity. ~98 Wine Enthusiast
The nose is overflowing with fruit, with everything from strawberry compote to raspberry tea to chutney and boysenberry spread. There’s marvelous intensity and concentration to the palate, which is full-bodied and very long. The tannins have a grainy, grippy feel and the rose-petal undertones sing out on the finish, atop complex suggestions of forest and undergrowth. ~97 James Suckling
Pretty cherry, strawberry, and floral aromas and flavors are shaded by underbrush, iron, and tobacco notes in this chewy red. A wall of tannins puts a strong grip on the finish, but give the fruit the benefit of the doubt. ~95 Wine Spectator
