2015 Azelia Barolo

2015 Azelia Barolo Piedmont, Italy

with No Comment $40-$50BaroloItalyKevin VogtPiedmont

AZELIA 

2015 BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY
2015 Azelia Barolo
 
The reports on the 2015 Vintage in Italy’s iconic Piedmont region make it perfectly clear that 2015 marks the greatest vintage for Barolo since 2010. James Suckling, longtime European Bureau Chief for the Wine Spectator wrote that the “full capability of the nebbiolo grape’s expressive nature is alive in Barolo 2015.” 
 
When referencing a history of terrific wines from Azelia, Robert Parker alerted his readers that “wines from…Azelia, can hold their own with the very best in the region” and “prices are exceedingly fair considering the quality of what goes into the bottle.” 
 
Azelia Barolo even graced the wine list at Thomas Keller’s French Laundry restaurant in Yountville California, and for years, it’s cemented itself as one of the best values for classic Barolo in our shop.
 
Azelia bears all of the hallmarks of the vintage; Muscular, toned, aromatically complex, and full of energy, and if you love classically styled, penetrating and focused Barolo, the value that you get with Azelia is truly hard to find. 
 
AZELIA 
2015 BAROLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY
 
Your Price: $45/btl
 
 
“Aromas of coal dust and tar with a distinctly savory, stony edge and nuances of dried herb-wrapped cherries. The acidity is assertive and delivers a strong burst of red plum-pit flavor, ahead of chalky, smooth tannins. Nice balance…” 
 
“This is an enriched expression that shows the intensity and tightness of Nebbiolo with just a margin of the immediate softness and accessibility of this warm vintage… comes together well on the palate with nice precision and focus...” 

2016 Azelia Langhe Nebbiolo

with No Comment $30 and underItalyKevin VogtNebbioloPiedmont

AZELIA

2016 LANGHE NEBBIOLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY

 
In the same way that Rosso di Montalcino is considered baby Brunello, Langhe Nebbiolo is a more ready to drink, affordable cousin to Barolo and Barbaresco.  These Italian icons are both made with 100% Nebbiolo grapes and while Langhe can include declassified Barolo and Barbaresco but can also be from other regions within Piedmont, and doesn’t need to meet the same aging requirements.  Stylistically Langhe wines are flashy with more forward, vibrant fruit, and they’re styled to be much more approachable in their youth.  One of my favorites is by Azelia and at $25/btl it’s simply one of the best values in the shop.
 
When referencing a history of terrific wines from Azelia, Robert Parker alerts readers that “wines from… Azelia, can hold their own with the very best in the region” and “prices are exceedingly fair considering the quality of what goes into the bottle.” The 2016 enters your palate with marvelous intensity, and is chock full of vibrant red fruits, toasted spice, dried rose petals and finely grained tannins.  2016 was an idyllic vintage in Piedmont producing larger than average yields of perfectly ripened grapes.
 
AZELIA
2016 LANGHE NEBBIOLO
PIEDMONT, ITALY
Retails at:  $28/btl
 
Your Price: $25/btl 

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From Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate: “The 2016 Langhe Nebbiolo gives us a very encouraging glimpse into the future. Nebbiolo from this cool vintage is phenomenal, and we should have some beautiful surprises very soon when the 2016 Barbarescos and Barolos are released. For now, we can enjoy a wine like this. Aged in stainless steel, this expression opens to a beautiful ruby hue with dark garnet highlights. The effect is crisp, luminous and bright. The varietal purity is especially evident on the bouquet, thanks to cassis, wild rose, blueberry and fresh almond aromas. The vines are 20 years old on average.” 91 Points
 
Customers that enjoy Azelia’s Langhe Nebbiolo may also enjoy these two stunning wines… 
2016 Clos Du Caillou Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Unique VV 2015 Livio Sassetti Rosso Di Montalcino
CLOS Du CAILLOU
2016 COTES Du RHONE
CUVEE UNIQUE VV
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl

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Robert Parker’s Review on the Regular Cotes to Rhone (The VV is Even Better)…  “The estate’s entry-level wine, the 2016 Cotes du Rhone Le Caillou is a stunning value, offering gluggable cherry and blueberry fruit, ample weight and a velvety texture. This Grenache-dominated blend should drink well for the next 5 years.”  90 Points
LIVIO SASSETTI
2015 ROSSO DI MONTALCINO
MONTALCINO, ITALY
 
Your Price: $29.99/btl

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Absolutely hands-on in every way possible, each individual wine produced by LivioSassetti is hand-tended by Livio and his two sons.  With attention to every detail, their 2015 Rosso is stacked with concentrated red cherries, black plum and intermixed are detailed notes of dried rose petals, violets and spice rack.