Luciano Sandrone Barolo Aleste 2022

Dark plum, blueberry and lavender lead the nose, followed by menthol, licorice and a trace of dried spice, all the hallmarks of Aleste in place. On the palate, there's genuine juiciness through the mid-section, and the wine sits in pleasing harmony without a rough seam in sight. What it lacks, honestly, is the breadth and kinetic force of the finest vintages; 2022 is generous rather than commanding. Give it twenty minutes in the glass and it opens up gracefully.