Sordo Barolo 2017

The Sordo 2017 Barolo exhibits a thin color and appearance with bright ruby highlights. This wine is full of good surprises, starting off with the purity and focus of the bouquet that surprisingly beats the 2016 vintage, in my opinion. Wild berry and dried raspberry cede to spicy licorice and smoky tar. The tannins are quite tight, and there is a lasting point of astringency that may never fully fade. The bouquet is more integrated than the palate at this stage. An ample 150,000 bottles were produced.

Give it a few swirls in the glass to bring out the pretty ripe red berries and tinges of rose petals and dried cherries. Medium body with clean, spicy red-fruit flavors, lightly firm tannins and a fresh finish. Almost racy. Nice to drink now, but another year will pull it all together. Drink from 2022.

The 2017 Barolo is noted by aromas of red cherry, tar, and menthol. The palate is fresh up front with red plum and moves into more savory, iron-rich mineral tones and bitter herbs, with building structure. A solid and classic entry Barolo from the Sordo estate to be enjoyed over the next 10-15 years, drink 2022-2036.