Luciano Sandrone

Charm Central: 2020 Barolo plus 2014 Museum Releases and Friends
Luciano Sandrone

Despite this family’s great loss in 2023, Luciano Sandrone left his self-made estate with not a hair out of place. His younger brother Luca, a talented agronomist, has been expertly managing the vineyards since the early 1990s, joined in recent years by Alessia, Barbara’s daughter and Luciano’s granddaughter. We have witnessed firsthand that Alessia inherited her relatives’ passion and meticulousness.

 

Alessia told us recently that she is far happier working in the vineyards than in the winery. Indeed, one of the least discussed aspects of this famous producer is the quality of their work in the vines. Sandrone is truly one of the regional spearheads in this area, which is why this is one of a handful of estates that makes benchmark wines every year, regardless of each vintage’s challenges. Firstly, it has followed organic principles for decades in a region where such practice is still rare. Secondly, Luca is a perfectionist and is entirely obsessed with the vines he manages. His focus is very much on making the vines stronger, healthier and more resilient rather than the symptomatic approach that remains so typical. 

 

Much of the vineyard work is done by hand, with the estate employing 15 full-time workers in the vines alone (for 27 hectares!). Like his brother before him, Luca openly references his admiration for Burgundy in the family’s approach and seeks to harvest only perfectly ripe and clean fruit. Harvesting dates here are treated like a religion, and even the entry-level wines are subject to a strict fruit selection. This is key to the purity and ripe flesh of the wines and something that separates Sandrone from the pack. Luca points out: “I always want to see the vintage character come out in the wine, but not its defects, so this determines the work in the vineyard.”

 

The 2020 vintage character at Sandrone is one of grace, elegance, attractive balance and a wealth of class. Luciano himself was a big fan of the classical yet seductive style of the young wines, which offer considerably more youthful drinking pleasure than the more powerful vintages on either side. “It is a classic year but at the same time modern,” says Luca, noting that the harvest ran from October 8th to 13th, well within Barolo’s classical spectrum. It was a challenging year, but these are the years when the best growers typically excel, as is the case here.

 

Both Barolos are strikingly beautiful, aromatic and silky wines that will impress from day one, particularly Le Vigne, which flaunts the personality of a ripe Burgundy this year. Aleste is, as usual, the more reserved of the pair. Luca, who speaks little English (like his brother before him, but fluent French), points out that while there is so much to enjoy in the young Barolo, they both have “ancora una marcia in più” (another gear). 

 

To the other wines―greatness comes in all shapes and sizes. Barbara Sandrone credits the changing climate and subtle winemaking alterations with elevating the estate’s Dolcetto and Barbera wines to even greater heights. “Dolcetto and Barbera in the past were soft voices; today, they are tenors,” she told us, noting the newfound intensity and silky depth on offer. Then we have the new Valmaggiore Nebbiolo from 2022 and Luciano Sandrone’s groundbreaking masterpiece, Barolo Vite Talin from 2018.

 

Sibi et Paucis Museum Releases

 

The Sandrone family runs an outstanding museum program called Sibi et Paucis. This Latin name translates roughly as “for the few and favoured”. Each year, about 10 to 15% of the production of their Nebbiolo wines (Le Vigne, Aleste and Valmaggiore) is held back in the winery’s underground cellars under optimal aging conditions to provide this producer’s long-term clients with aged-release wines that are closer to maturity. 

 

It was Luciano Sandrone’s dream that one day, all his wines would be released only when they were ready to drink. Currently, the Sibi et Paucis wines are re-released six years after the vintage for Valmaggiore and 10 years after the vintage for the Barolos. It is a wonderful initiative, and each release comes with a stamp on the label to differentiate it from the original release. 

 

Below are the third-party notes pertaining to the re-released wines, i.e. they are all recent tastings and reviews. Having tasted the wines on more than one occasion, we can say categorically that they are all singing. In what was clearly a challenging year, Sandrone’s outstanding 2014 wines were among the highlights of the vintage (as many of our clients will already attest). Many journalists were quick to dismiss the year given the difficulties of the growing season, yet the best estates far outperformed initial expectations. As a winemaker friend of ours once said: “Time cuts out all the bullshit.” 

 

“It’s easy to focus on the great years,” Luciano told us when his 2014s were first released. “But the wines we make from the challenging years bring me the most satisfaction, the ones that make me the proudest.” Only an estate run by a driven perfectionist could reach such heights (the Sandrone family employed 38 people for farming when the average harvest at this time required only 22 pairs of vineyard hands). Waiting for the right moment to harvest, being willing to undertake a strong green harvest, and making a strict selection during the vintage all paid dividends. 

The Wines

Luciano Sandrone Dolcetto d'Alba 2023
Sold Out
Added

Luciano Sandrone Dolcetto d'Alba 2023

It is hardly news that Sandrone’s Dolcetto is one of the region's finest, most complex examples. The consistent quality of this wine—its purity, silky texture, fine tannins and balance—only comes with perfectly ripe fruit from top sites. In this case, the sites are also high, bringing added freshness to the layers of fruit. From estate vineyards in Monforte d’Alba, Sandrone draws from Castelletto and Cascina Pe Mol. In Novello, there is the Rocche di San Nicola vineyard and the whitish marls of Ravera, whose easterly exposure contributes perfume and aromatic complexity. Joining these sites is fruit from Rivassi and Crosia in the commune of Barolo. Vine age is another key to the quality, averaging over 50 years.

Typically, 11 different parcels contribute to the blend, and any fruit that does not make the grade is sold off. Each parcel is vinified separately before blending, and the wines age in tank. In short, this is about as close as Dolcetto comes to Nebbiolo-level depth and class.  

“The 2023 Dolcetto d'Alba is gorgeous. Aromatic, light on its feet and gracious, the 2023 is a delight. It offers up a super-classic profile of crushed blue fruits, leather, spice, mint and lavender, all in a medium-bodied style that is hugely appealing. This is all class.”
90 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Luciano Sandrone Dolcetto d'Alba 2023
Sold Out
Added
Luciano Sandrone Barbera d'Alba 2022
Sold Out
Added

Luciano Sandrone Barbera d'Alba 2022

Sandrone’s layered, polished Barbera is drawn from four sites: Cascina Pe Mol, (mentioned above); Ravera and Rocche di San Nicola (in Novello); and Albarella (in Barolo). At 350 to 450 metres, these are some of the region's highest, most exposed vineyards, bringing superb freshness and vibrancy to this wine. To balance the structure and acidity for which this wine is noted, Sandrone matured the wine in 500-litre tonneaux (40% of which are new). The estate has special, untoasted barrels made in Burgundy for this cuvée to ensure the wood impact is as discreet as possible. When the wine is young, some wood shows through on the nose, and it is seriously classy oak. With age, the integration is seamless. Crafted from small, concentrated berries this year, it’s a fleshy yet fluid Barbera—expect juicy waves of macerated blueberry with complex hints of white pepper and a dusting of spice from the Monforte vines. True to form, there is great class on offer here.

“The 2022 Barbera d'Alba is packed with ripe red cherry/plum fruit. Mocha, spice, cedar and leather add layers of nuance. This succulent, forward Barbera is an absolute delight.”
92 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Luciano Sandrone Barbera d'Alba 2022
Sold Out
Added
Luciano Sandrone Valmaggiore Nebbiolo d'Alba 2022
Sold Out
Added

Luciano Sandrone Valmaggiore Nebbiolo d'Alba 2022

Valmaggiore is a magical, three-hectare, amphitheatre-shaped vineyard in the Roero area of Piemonte. Now that Roero is rising in prominence, we can truly recognise what a pioneer Luciano Sandrone was when he established Valmaggiore some 30 years ago. Nobody was talking about Roero at the time, but Sandrone recognised its potential, having worked with Roero parcels during his time as cellarmaster of Marchesi di Barolo. The risks were enormous; establishing an extremely steep vineyard (50% gradient in places) with such sandy soils (quick to dry out and erode) was always going to be a huge challenge, with no guarantee of quality. The land would also need to be terraced and replanted, requiring major investment. And all this in a place outside the Barolo region that no one believed capable of greatness. Luciano Sandrone begged to differ.

The site is farmed meticulously and organically, and strict sorting occurs each year to reach the level of purity and intensity we see in the glass. Fermentation takes place in tank, with malolactic fermentation and maturation in old French demi-muid (with 9-12 months aging). Over the years, this wine has developed a passionate following in Australia and deserves every plaudit. It is a unique wine of tremendous perfume, chalky texture and finesse, with an elegance and prettiness quite distinct from the denser, darker, more structured styles produced in the clay-rich soils of Barolo and Barbaresco.


“The 2022 Nebbiolo d'Alba Valmaggiore is quite the surprise, given the challenging conditions of the year. Sweet red cherry fruit, kirsch, mint, dried flowers, orange peel and cinnamon build effortlessly in the glass. Soft, silky contours wrap it all together in style. This is impeccably done.”
93 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“This wine comes from a celebrated vineyard located in the town of Vezza d'Alba. The tonneaux-aged Luciano Sandrone 2022 Nebbiolo d'Alba Valmaggiore offers the elegant points that you expect of the Nebbiolo grape, along with high-toned notes of tart cherry and raspberry. The wine is luminous and shiny in appearance with a sense of vertical immediacy. I really like this wine, especially its glossy fruit-driven aromas.”
92 points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
Luciano Sandrone Valmaggiore Nebbiolo d'Alba 2022
Sold Out
Added
Luciano Sandrone Valmaggiore Nebbiolo d'Alba 2022 (1500ml)
Sold Out
Added

Luciano Sandrone Valmaggiore Nebbiolo d'Alba 2022 (1500ml)

Valmaggiore is a magical, three-hectare, amphitheatre-shaped vineyard in the Roero area of Piemonte. Now that Roero is rising in prominence, we can truly recognise what a pioneer Luciano Sandrone was when he established Valmaggiore some 30 years ago. Nobody was talking about Roero at the time, but Sandrone recognised its potential, having worked with Roero parcels during his time as cellarmaster of Marchesi di Barolo. The risks were enormous; establishing an extremely steep vineyard (50% gradient in places) with such sandy soils (quick to dry out and erode) was always going to be a huge challenge, with no guarantee of quality. The land would also need to be terraced and replanted, requiring major investment. And all this in a place outside the Barolo region that no one believed capable of greatness. Luciano Sandrone begged to differ.

The site is farmed meticulously and organically, and strict sorting occurs each year to reach the level of purity and intensity we see in the glass. Fermentation takes place in tank, with malolactic fermentation and maturation in old French demi-muid (with 9-12 months aging). Over the years, this wine has developed a passionate following in Australia and deserves every plaudit. It is a unique wine of tremendous perfume, chalky texture and finesse, with an elegance and prettiness quite distinct from the denser, darker, more structured styles produced in the clay-rich soils of Barolo and Barbaresco.

“The 2022 Nebbiolo d'Alba Valmaggiore is quite the surprise, given the challenging conditions of the year. Sweet red cherry fruit, kirsch, mint, dried flowers, orange peel and cinnamon build effortlessly in the glass. Soft, silky contours wrap it all together in style. This is impeccably done.”
93 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“This wine comes from a celebrated vineyard located in the town of Vezza d'Alba. The tonneaux-aged Luciano Sandrone 2022 Nebbiolo d'Alba Valmaggiore offers the elegant points that you expect of the Nebbiolo grape, along with high-toned notes of tart cherry and raspberry. The wine is luminous and shiny in appearance with a sense of vertical immediacy. I really like this wine, especially its glossy fruit-driven aromas.”
92 points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
Luciano Sandrone Valmaggiore Nebbiolo d'Alba 2022 (1500ml)
Sold Out
Added
Luciano Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne 2020
Sold Out
Added

Luciano Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne 2020

A blend of several small parcels of vines from several communes, Le Vigne is Sandrone’s ode to the classic Barolo-wide blend that was once the norm. All the sites that contribute to Le Vigne are markedly different from each other in terms of altitude, soil and exposure, and together provide a broad overview of Barolo in a given year. 2020 was the second year to include Nebbiolo from Sandrone’s new holding in Le Coste di Monforte. Sandrone has been farming this Monforte d’Alba site since 2000. So, from this vintage, Le Vigne includes fruit from five communes: Barolo, Serralunga d’Alba, Novello, Castiglione Falletto and Monforte d’Alba.

The fruit ferments spontaneously in tank before malolactic fermentation and aging in mainly used 500-litre French oak casks. Like Aleste, approximately 20-30% of the grapes ferment as bunches, with a very high percentage of whole berries in the destemmed portion (thanks to a state-of-the-art destemmer). The macerations are managed very carefully, and the bottling occurs relatively early as Luca Sandrone wants to capture the finest tannins and as much fruit purity as possible (another key to understanding the wines produced here). So, time on skins varied from 15 days to up to three weeks. Total time in oak was 20-22 months, and the wine was, as always, bottled unfiltered.

It’s hard to remember a time when a young Le Vigne tasted so alluring out of the gates. It is fresh, translucent and totally inviting from the off, with sweet red berries, strawberry, dried orange and cedar woven throughout a finely sculpted palate framed by ripe, chalky tannins. It’s a knockout Le Vigne. 

“The compelling Sandrone 2020 Le Vigne opens with delicate but alluring scents of violet, rose, wild berry and aromatic herb. Reflecting the nose, the savory, elegant palate delivers juicy Morello cherry, strawberry compote, star anise and cake spice alongside a backbone of taut, velvety tannins.”
96 points, Kerin O'Keefe, kerinokeefe.com
“The Luciano Sandrone 2020 Barolo Le Vigne is open-knit in texture with sun-drenched aromas. You get ripe fruit with black cherry, blackcurrant, forest floor and wild mushroom. With time in the glass, the wine reveals floral definition, grilled tarragon herb and a heavier note of wheat biscuit. Starting with the 2019 vintage, Le Vigne also includes Le Coste di Monforte fruit along with fruit from Baudana in Serralunga d'Alba, Villero in Castiglione Falletto, Vignane in Barolo and Merli in Novello.”
95 points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
“The 2020 Barolo Le Vigne is graced with brilliant aromatic intensity and plenty of depth. Crushed rose petal, mint, blood orange, spice, lavender and pomegranate all meld together. Le Vigne has a bit more aromatic vibrancy and verve than the Aleste, but shares a general feeling of openness with its sibling.”
94 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“Lustrous deep ruby. Seductive nose of red fruit with a note of oak perfectly aligned with the fruit. Succulent and at the same time youthful and fresh. Firm tannins giving the fruit its spine. Long and succulent, but the tannins need more time to integrate.”
17.5 points, Walter Speller, JancisRobinson.com
Luciano Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne 2020
Sold Out
Added
Luciano Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne 2020 (1500ml)
Sold Out
Added

Luciano Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne 2020 (1500ml)

A blend of several small parcels of vines from several communes, Le Vigne is Sandrone’s ode to the classic Barolo-wide blend that was once the norm. All the sites that contribute to Le Vigne are markedly different from each other in terms of altitude, soil and exposure, and together provide a broad overview of Barolo in a given year. 2020 was the second year to include Nebbiolo from Sandrone’s new holding in Le Coste di Monforte. Sandrone has been farming this Monforte d’Alba site since 2000. So, from this vintage, Le Vigne includes fruit from five communes: Barolo, Serralunga d’Alba, Novello, Castiglione Falletto and Monforte d’Alba.

The fruit ferments spontaneously in tank before malolactic fermentation and aging in mainly used 500-litre French oak casks. Like Aleste, approximately 20-30% of the grapes ferment as bunches, with a very high percentage of whole berries in the destemmed portion (thanks to a state-of-the-art destemmer). The macerations are managed very carefully, and the bottling occurs relatively early as Luca Sandrone wants to capture the finest tannins and as much fruit purity as possible (another key to understanding the wines produced here). So, time on skins varied from 15 days to up to three weeks. Total time in oak was 20-22 months, and the wine was, as always, bottled unfiltered.

It’s hard to remember a time when a young Le Vigne tasted so alluring out of the gates. It is fresh, translucent and totally inviting from the off, with sweet red berries, strawberry, dried orange and cedar woven throughout a finely sculpted palate framed by ripe, chalky tannins. It’s a knockout Le Vigne. 

“The compelling Sandrone 2020 Le Vigne opens with delicate but alluring scents of violet, rose, wild berry and aromatic herb. Reflecting the nose, the savory, elegant palate delivers juicy Morello cherry, strawberry compote, star anise and cake spice alongside a backbone of taut, velvety tannins.”
96 points, Kerin O'Keefe, kerinokeefe.com
“The Luciano Sandrone 2020 Barolo Le Vigne is open-knit in texture with sun-drenched aromas. You get ripe fruit with black cherry, blackcurrant, forest floor and wild mushroom. With time in the glass, the wine reveals floral definition, grilled tarragon herb and a heavier note of wheat biscuit. Starting with the 2019 vintage, Le Vigne also includes Le Coste di Monforte fruit along with fruit from Baudana in Serralunga d'Alba, Villero in Castiglione Falletto, Vignane in Barolo and Merli in Novello.”
95 points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
“The 2020 Barolo Le Vigne is graced with brilliant aromatic intensity and plenty of depth. Crushed rose petal, mint, blood orange, spice, lavender and pomegranate all meld together. Le Vigne has a bit more aromatic vibrancy and verve than the Aleste, but shares a general feeling of openness with its sibling.”
94 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“Lustrous deep ruby. Seductive nose of red fruit with a note of oak perfectly aligned with the fruit. Succulent and at the same time youthful and fresh. Firm tannins giving the fruit its spine. Long and succulent, but the tannins need more time to integrate.”
17.5 points, Walter Speller, JancisRobinson.com
Luciano Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne 2020 (1500ml)
Sold Out
Added
Luciano Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne 2020 (3000ml)
Sold Out
Added

Luciano Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne 2020 (3000ml)

A blend of several small parcels of vines from several communes, Le Vigne is Sandrone’s ode to the classic Barolo-wide blend that was once the norm. All the sites that contribute to Le Vigne are markedly different from each other in terms of altitude, soil and exposure, and together provide a broad overview of Barolo in a given year. 2020 was the second year to include Nebbiolo from Sandrone’s new holding in Le Coste di Monforte. Sandrone has been farming this Monforte d’Alba site since 2000. So, from this vintage, Le Vigne includes fruit from five communes: Barolo, Serralunga d’Alba, Novello, Castiglione Falletto and Monforte d’Alba.

The fruit ferments spontaneously in tank before malolactic fermentation and aging in mainly used 500-litre French oak casks. Like Aleste, approximately 20-30% of the grapes ferment as bunches, with a very high percentage of whole berries in the destemmed portion (thanks to a state-of-the-art destemmer). The macerations are managed very carefully, and the bottling occurs relatively early as Luca Sandrone wants to capture the finest tannins and as much fruit purity as possible (another key to understanding the wines produced here). So, time on skins varied from 15 days to up to three weeks. Total time in oak was 20-22 months, and the wine was, as always, bottled unfiltered.

It’s hard to remember a time when a young Le Vigne tasted so alluring out of the gates. It is fresh, translucent and totally inviting from the off, with sweet red berries, strawberry, dried orange and cedar woven throughout a finely sculpted palate framed by ripe, chalky tannins. It’s a knockout Le Vigne. 

“The compelling Sandrone 2020 Le Vigne opens with delicate but alluring scents of violet, rose, wild berry and aromatic herb. Reflecting the nose, the savory, elegant palate delivers juicy Morello cherry, strawberry compote, star anise and cake spice alongside a backbone of taut, velvety tannins.”
96 points, Kerin O'Keefe, kerinokeefe.com
“The Luciano Sandrone 2020 Barolo Le Vigne is open-knit in texture with sun-drenched aromas. You get ripe fruit with black cherry, blackcurrant, forest floor and wild mushroom. With time in the glass, the wine reveals floral definition, grilled tarragon herb and a heavier note of wheat biscuit. Starting with the 2019 vintage, Le Vigne also includes Le Coste di Monforte fruit along with fruit from Baudana in Serralunga d'Alba, Villero in Castiglione Falletto, Vignane in Barolo and Merli in Novello.”
95 points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
“The 2020 Barolo Le Vigne is graced with brilliant aromatic intensity and plenty of depth. Crushed rose petal, mint, blood orange, spice, lavender and pomegranate all meld together. Le Vigne has a bit more aromatic vibrancy and verve than the Aleste, but shares a general feeling of openness with its sibling.”
94 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“Lustrous deep ruby. Seductive nose of red fruit with a note of oak perfectly aligned with the fruit. Succulent and at the same time youthful and fresh. Firm tannins giving the fruit its spine. Long and succulent, but the tannins need more time to integrate.”
17.5 points, Walter Speller, JancisRobinson.com
Luciano Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne 2020 (3000ml)
Sold Out
Added
Luciano Sandrone Barolo Aleste 2020
Sold Out
Added

Luciano Sandrone Barolo Aleste 2020

The name of the wine may have changed, but Sandrone’s flagship Barolo is still, and will remain, 100% Cannubi Boschis, the Barolo vineyard synonymous with this grower. The Boschis subzone sits near the northern end of the Cannubi hill directly across from the Sandrone cellars. Sandrone farms 1.9 hectares of 40-year-old vines in the Cru, which has a particularly good south and southeast exposure in a small amphitheatre or “conca” that helps hold warmth in the early morning. Its soils are sea deposits of calcareous clay with sand and, therefore, have excellent drainage.

Highlighting the uniqueness of the wines from this terroir compared to the rest of the Cannubi hill, Alessandro Masnaghetti’s L’Enciclopedia delle Grandi Vigne del Barolo writes: “The wines, in general, have good body, much elegance, and more polished tannins than other Cannubi wines.” The winemaking is identical to Le Vigne, aside from a little longer on skins. While both are extraordinary, the stylistic contrast is clear as day. Where Le Vigne is lifted and perfumed, arcing towards the sky, Aleste is of the earth: a deeper, darker, textured and yet more mineral Barolo.

Sandwiched between two classical vintages, the beautifully scented and textured 2020 Aleste is a lesson in harmony, youthful generosity and flesh. It’s not as structured as 2019 and possesses slightly less core intensity than 2021.  Instead, we have an almost Gevrey-like Barolo of aromatic complexity and a palate offering layered flavours of marasca cherry, dark stones and spice complemented by long, gentle tannins. Class before power and a wine of great finesse.

“The Luciano Sandrone 2020 Barolo Aleste (with 10,000 bottles released) is layered with sweet earth and drunken cherry. It shows seamless integration and a crescendo of intensity that starts with ripe fruit and dovetails into oak elements, licorice, spice and balanced acidity. This wine is very beautiful in terms of mouthfeel, with length and complexity. Aleste is made with fruit from Cannubi Boschis in the village of Barolo. This is the full monty.”
96 points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
“Enticing scents of woodland berry, camphor and exotic brown spice mingle with a whiff of dog rose on the lovely 2020 Aleste from Sandrone. Structured and loaded with finesse, the savory palate features ripe red cherry, blood orange, star anise and a mineral note recalling rusty nail. It’s firm but elegant, with fine-grained tannins while fresh acidity keeps it impeccably balanced.”
96 points, Kerin O'Keefe, kerinokeefe.com
“The 2020 Barolo Aleste is a classy, elegant wine that will drink well right out of the gate. Black cherry, plum, mocha, licorice and dark spice resonate beautifully. Soft and succulent, with silky tannins, the 2020 Aleste is a total charmer.”
95 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“Lustrous mid ruby. Gorgeous perfumed nose with a hint of oak. Right now a tiny bit reduced but that blows off with aeration. Long, succulent and perfumed fruit with bags of fine, chewy tannins that make their mark while not overpowering the fruit. Needs time, even if right now it is hard to resist.”
17.5 points, Walter Speller, JancisRobinson.com
Luciano Sandrone Barolo Aleste 2020
Sold Out
Added
Luciano Sandrone Barolo Aleste 2020 (1500ml)
Sold Out
Added

Luciano Sandrone Barolo Aleste 2020 (1500ml)

The name of the wine may have changed, but Sandrone’s flagship Barolo is still, and will remain, 100% Cannubi Boschis, the Barolo vineyard synonymous with this grower. The Boschis subzone sits near the northern end of the Cannubi hill directly across from the Sandrone cellars. Sandrone farms 1.9 hectares of 40-year-old vines in the Cru, which has a particularly good south and southeast exposure in a small amphitheatre or “conca” that helps hold warmth in the early morning. Its soils are sea deposits of calcareous clay with sand and, therefore, have excellent drainage. 

Highlighting the uniqueness of the wines from this terroir compared to the rest of the Cannubi hill, Alessandro Masnaghetti’s L’Enciclopedia delle Grandi Vigne del Barolo writes: “The wines, in general, have good body, much elegance, and more polished tannins than other Cannubi wines.” The winemaking is identical to Le Vigne, aside from a little longer on skins. While both are extraordinary, the stylistic contrast is clear as day. Where Le Vigne is lifted and perfumed, arcing towards the sky, Aleste is of the earth: a deeper, darker, textured and yet more mineral Barolo.

Sandwiched between two classical vintages, the beautifully scented and textured 2020 Aleste is a lesson in harmony, youthful generosity and flesh. It’s not as structured as 2019 and possesses slightly less core intensity than 2021.  Instead, we have an almost Gevrey-like Barolo of aromatic complexity and a palate offering layered flavours of marasca cherry, dark stones and spice complemented by long, gentle tannins. Class before power and a wine of great finesse.

“The Luciano Sandrone 2020 Barolo Aleste (with 10,000 bottles released) is layered with sweet earth and drunken cherry. It shows seamless integration and a crescendo of intensity that starts with ripe fruit and dovetails into oak elements, licorice, spice and balanced acidity. This wine is very beautiful in terms of mouthfeel, with length and complexity. Aleste is made with fruit from Cannubi Boschis in the village of Barolo. This is the full monty.”
96 points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
“Enticing scents of woodland berry, camphor and exotic brown spice mingle with a whiff of dog rose on the lovely 2020 Aleste from Sandrone. Structured and loaded with finesse, the savory palate features ripe red cherry, blood orange, star anise and a mineral note recalling rusty nail. It’s firm but elegant, with fine-grained tannins while fresh acidity keeps it impeccably balanced.”
96 points, Kerin O'Keefe, kerinokeefe.com
“The 2020 Barolo Aleste is a classy, elegant wine that will drink well right out of the gate. Black cherry, plum, mocha, licorice and dark spice resonate beautifully. Soft and succulent, with silky tannins, the 2020 Aleste is a total charmer.”
95 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“Lustrous mid ruby. Gorgeous perfumed nose with a hint of oak. Right now a tiny bit reduced but that blows off with aeration. Long, succulent and perfumed fruit with bags of fine, chewy tannins that make their mark while not overpowering the fruit. Needs time, even if right now it is hard to resist.”
17.5 points, Walter Speller, JancisRobinson.com
Luciano Sandrone Barolo Aleste 2020 (1500ml)
Sold Out
Added
Luciano Sandrone Barolo Aleste 2020 (3000ml)
Sold Out
Added

Luciano Sandrone Barolo Aleste 2020 (3000ml)

The name of the wine may have changed, but Sandrone’s flagship Barolo is still, and will remain, 100% Cannubi Boschis, the Barolo vineyard synonymous with this grower. The Boschis subzone sits near the northern end of the Cannubi hill directly across from the Sandrone cellars. Sandrone farms 1.9 hectares of 40-year-old vines in the Cru, which has a particularly good south and southeast exposure in a small amphitheatre or “conca” that helps hold warmth in the early morning. Its soils are sea deposits of calcareous clay with sand and, therefore, have excellent drainage. 

Highlighting the uniqueness of the wines from this terroir compared to the rest of the Cannubi hill, Alessandro Masnaghetti’s L’Enciclopedia delle Grandi Vigne del Barolo writes: “The wines, in general, have good body, much elegance, and more polished tannins than other Cannubi wines.” The winemaking is identical to Le Vigne, aside from a little longer on skins. While both are extraordinary, the stylistic contrast is clear as day. Where Le Vigne is lifted and perfumed, arcing towards the sky, Aleste is of the earth: a deeper, darker, textured and yet more mineral Barolo.

Sandwiched between two classical vintages, the beautifully scented and textured 2020 Aleste is a lesson in harmony, youthful generosity and flesh. It’s not as structured as 2019 and possesses slightly less core intensity than 2021.  Instead, we have an almost Gevrey-like Barolo of aromatic complexity and a palate offering layered flavours of marasca cherry, dark stones and spice complemented by long, gentle tannins. Class before power and a wine of great finesse.

“The Luciano Sandrone 2020 Barolo Aleste (with 10,000 bottles released) is layered with sweet earth and drunken cherry. It shows seamless integration and a crescendo of intensity that starts with ripe fruit and dovetails into oak elements, licorice, spice and balanced acidity. This wine is very beautiful in terms of mouthfeel, with length and complexity. Aleste is made with fruit from Cannubi Boschis in the village of Barolo. This is the full monty.”
96 points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
“Enticing scents of woodland berry, camphor and exotic brown spice mingle with a whiff of dog rose on the lovely 2020 Aleste from Sandrone. Structured and loaded with finesse, the savory palate features ripe red cherry, blood orange, star anise and a mineral note recalling rusty nail. It’s firm but elegant, with fine-grained tannins while fresh acidity keeps it impeccably balanced.”
96 points, Kerin O'Keefe, kerinokeefe.com
“The 2020 Barolo Aleste is a classy, elegant wine that will drink well right out of the gate. Black cherry, plum, mocha, licorice and dark spice resonate beautifully. Soft and succulent, with silky tannins, the 2020 Aleste is a total charmer.”
95 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“Lustrous mid ruby. Gorgeous perfumed nose with a hint of oak. Right now a tiny bit reduced but that blows off with aeration. Long, succulent and perfumed fruit with bags of fine, chewy tannins that make their mark while not overpowering the fruit. Needs time, even if right now it is hard to resist.”
17.5 points, Walter Speller, JancisRobinson.com
Luciano Sandrone Barolo Aleste 2020 (3000ml)
Sold Out
Added
Luciano Sandrone Barolo Vite Talin 2018
Sold Out
Added

Luciano Sandrone Barolo Vite Talin 2018

“[Vite Talin] is a game changer for the Sandrone family and for Barolo.” Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate

This groundbreaking wine is made from a unique clone of Nebbiolo (now officially called Vite Talin) that Luciano Sandrone identified in 1987 and began slowly propagating. It is one of his great legacies and was an instant sensation when first released in 2013, receiving 100-point reviews from Antonio Galloni and Monica Larner.  Today, the wine comes from three small plots: Le Coste, Drucà and Rivassi. There are only 8,000 vines in production, leading to around 2,000 bottles of wine. But what a wine!

Barbara Sandrone tells us the Talin berry size is half that of normal Nebbiolo.  In an average year, a Vite Talin berry weighs less than a gram, whereas a berry from Cannubi weighs 2.2 grams. The resulting juice is considerably denser, and the winemaking is adapted to include extended macerations and aging, with three years in large, 2500-litre botti and a further three years in bottle before release.

The 2018 is a tremendous wine and mind-blowing for the year. In general, you can expect a more mineral, ferrous and dark wine, more classic in structure and personality—something encouraged by the traditional vinification—yet also offering great finesse and complexity. It is unique, and another remarkable chapter in the history of this estate.

“This has been such an exciting addition to the Luciano Sandrone portfolio. The 2018 Barolo Vite Talin is a bigger-styled Barolo with dark fruit, ample oak shadings and generous concentration. Overall, it is a wine of considerable fruit weight, and that richness is reflected in the grippy nature of the young tannins and the very plump and primary nature of the fruit. There is a note of dried Mediterranean herb, or something like a dried chili husk. You need time to tame that bossy tannin.”
96 points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
“The 2018 Barolo Vite Talin is a sexy, opulent Barolo. Although the 2018 does not quite have the pedigree of the best years, it comes pretty close. Succulent dark fruit, clove, gravel, mocha and incense are all front and center. This dense yet mid-weight Barolo will drink well with minimal cellaring.”
96 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Luciano Sandrone Barolo Vite Talin 2018
Sold Out
Added
Luciano Sandrone Valmaggiore Nebbiolo d'Alba 2018 Sibi et Paucis
Sold Out
Added

Luciano Sandrone Valmaggiore Nebbiolo d'Alba 2018 Sibi et Paucis

The Sandrone family runs an outstanding museum program called Sibi et Paucis. This Latin name translates roughly as “for the few and favoured”. Each year, about 10 to 15% of the production of their Nebbiolo wines (Le Vigne, Aleste and Valmaggiore) is held back in the winery’s underground cellars under optimal aging conditions to provide this producer’s long-term clients with aged-release wines that are closer to maturity.

It was Luciano Sandrone’s dream that one day, all his wines would be released only when they were ready to drink. Currently, the Sibi et Paucis wines are re-released six years after the vintage for Valmaggiore and 10 years after the vintage for the Barolos. It is a wonderful initiative, and each release comes with a stamp on the label to differentiate it from the original release.

Below are the third-party notes pertaining to the re-released wines, i.e. they are all recent tastings and reviews. Having tasted the wines on more than one occasion, we can say categorically that they are all singing. In what was clearly a challenging year, Sandrone’s outstanding 2014 wines were among the highlights of the vintage (as many of our clients will already attest). Many journalists were quick to dismiss the year given the difficulties of the growing season, yet the best estates far outperformed initial expectations. As a winemaker friend of ours once said: “Time cuts out all the bullshit.” 

“It’s easy to focus on the great years,” Luciano told us when his 2014s were first released. “But the wines we make from the challenging years bring me the most satisfaction, the ones that make me the proudest.” Only an estate run by a driven perfectionist could reach such heights (the Sandrone family employed 38 people for farming when the average harvest at this time required only 22 pairs of vineyard hands). Waiting for the right moment to harvest, being willing to undertake a strong green harvest, and making a strict selection during the vintage all paid dividends. 





“From the Luciano Sandrone late-release program, the 2018 Nebbiolo d'Alba Valmaggiore Sibi et Paucis has evidently experienced a very slow and soft evolution, because although there are some tertiary notes to admire, the wine feels and tastes much younger than its real years. It shows glossy elegance, tar, dried raspberry and soft pencil shaving. The 2018 vintage is subtle, but don't underestimate that power. Only 1,500 bottles were created.”
94 points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
“A library release from Sandrone, the 2018 Nebbiolo d'Alba Valmaggiore Sibi et Paucis shows lovely hints of maturity, yet also remains quite young. Crushed rose petal, dried red cherry, spice, leather and kirsch all grace the 2018. Its aromatics are already quite open, but there's lovely textural depth here.”
92 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Luciano Sandrone Valmaggiore Nebbiolo d'Alba 2018 Sibi et Paucis
Sold Out
Added
Luciano Sandrone Valmaggiore Nebbiolo d'Alba 2018 Sibi et Paucis (1500ml)
Sold Out
Added

Luciano Sandrone Valmaggiore Nebbiolo d'Alba 2018 Sibi et Paucis (1500ml)

The Sandrone family runs an outstanding museum program called Sibi et Paucis. This Latin name translates roughly as “for the few and favoured”. Each year, about 10 to 15% of the production of their Nebbiolo wines (Le Vigne, Aleste and Valmaggiore) is held back in the winery’s underground cellars under optimal aging conditions to provide this producer’s long-term clients with aged-release wines that are closer to maturity.

It was Luciano Sandrone’s dream that one day, all his wines would be released only when they were ready to drink. Currently, the Sibi et Paucis wines are re-released six years after the vintage for Valmaggiore and 10 years after the vintage for the Barolos. It is a wonderful initiative, and each release comes with a stamp on the label to differentiate it from the original release.

Below are the third-party notes pertaining to the re-released wines, i.e. they are all recent tastings and reviews. Having tasted the wines on more than one occasion, we can say categorically that they are all singing. In what was clearly a challenging year, Sandrone’s outstanding 2014 wines were among the highlights of the vintage (as many of our clients will already attest). Many journalists were quick to dismiss the year given the difficulties of the growing season, yet the best estates far outperformed initial expectations. As a winemaker friend of ours once said: “Time cuts out all the bullshit.” 

“It’s easy to focus on the great years,” Luciano told us when his 2014s were first released. “But the wines we make from the challenging years bring me the most satisfaction, the ones that make me the proudest.” Only an estate run by a driven perfectionist could reach such heights (the Sandrone family employed 38 people for farming when the average harvest at this time required only 22 pairs of vineyard hands). Waiting for the right moment to harvest, being willing to undertake a strong green harvest, and making a strict selection during the vintage all paid dividends. 

“From the Luciano Sandrone late-release program, the 2018 Nebbiolo d'Alba Valmaggiore Sibi et Paucis has evidently experienced a very slow and soft evolution, because although there are some tertiary notes to admire, the wine feels and tastes much younger than its real years. It shows glossy elegance, tar, dried raspberry and soft pencil shaving. The 2018 vintage is subtle, but don't underestimate that power. Only 1,500 bottles were created.”
94 points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
“A library release from Sandrone, the 2018 Nebbiolo d'Alba Valmaggiore Sibi et Paucis shows lovely hints of maturity, yet also remains quite young. Crushed rose petal, dried red cherry, spice, leather and kirsch all grace the 2018. Its aromatics are already quite open, but there's lovely textural depth here.”
92 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Luciano Sandrone Valmaggiore Nebbiolo d'Alba 2018 Sibi et Paucis (1500ml)
Sold Out
Added
Luciano Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne 2014 Sibi et Paucis
Sold Out
Added

Luciano Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne 2014 Sibi et Paucis

The Sandrone family runs an outstanding museum program called Sibi et Paucis. This Latin name translates roughly as “for the few and favoured”. Each year, about 10 to 15% of the production of their Nebbiolo wines (Le Vigne, Aleste and Valmaggiore) is held back in the winery’s underground cellars under optimal aging conditions to provide this producer’s long-term clients with aged-release wines that are closer to maturity.

It was Luciano Sandrone’s dream that one day, all his wines would be released only when they were ready to drink. Currently, the Sibi et Paucis wines are re-released six years after the vintage for Valmaggiore and 10 years after the vintage for the Barolos. It is a wonderful initiative, and each release comes with a stamp on the label to differentiate it from the original release.

Below are the third-party notes pertaining to the re-released wines, i.e. they are all recent tastings and reviews. Having tasted the wines on more than one occasion, we can say categorically that they are all singing. In what was clearly a challenging year, Sandrone’s outstanding 2014 wines were among the highlights of the vintage (as many of our clients will already attest). Many journalists were quick to dismiss the year given the difficulties of the growing season, yet the best estates far outperformed initial expectations. As a winemaker friend of ours once said: “Time cuts out all the bullshit.”

“It’s easy to focus on the great years,” Luciano told us when his 2014s were first released. “But the wines we make from the challenging years bring me the most satisfaction, the ones that make me the proudest.” Only an estate run by a driven perfectionist could reach such heights (the Sandrone family employed 38 people for farming when the average harvest at this time required only 22 pairs of vineyard hands). Waiting for the right moment to harvest, being willing to undertake a strong green harvest, and making a strict selection during the vintage all paid dividends. 







“The 2014 Barolo Le Vigne Sibi et Paucis opens with hints of cedar, sweet pipe tobacco, dried herbs, mint and dried cherry. Medium in body and sinewy, the 2014 is marked by bright acids, plenty of gorgeous mineral drive and medium-bodied structure. The long, persistent finish is a real thing of beauty.”
96 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“Showing developed tertiary tones, the Luciano Sandrone 2014 Barolo Le Vigne Sibi et Paucis has dried cooking herbs, fennel and tarragon or something like a meat rub. The fruit has all gone to dried cherry and blackcurrant. There is a spicy side to the wine with black pepper or chili flake over medium-rich texture. In this case, the tannins are integrated and polished. The 2014 is ready to drink now.”
94 points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
“Mid to dark ruby. Stunning nose of minerally cherry fruit with a hint of oak. There is rich, voluptuous fruit underneath that still need to unfurl. Juicy fruit on a palate that is still surprisingly closed. Closed yet lush and carried by long sandy tannins. Spectacular for this vintage and still not at its peak.”
17++ points, Walter Speller, JancisRobinson.com
Luciano Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne 2014 Sibi et Paucis
Sold Out
Added
Luciano Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne 2014 Sibi et Paucis (1500ml)
Sold Out
Added

Luciano Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne 2014 Sibi et Paucis (1500ml)

The Sandrone family runs an outstanding museum program called Sibi et Paucis. This Latin name translates roughly as “for the few and favoured”. Each year, about 10 to 15% of the production of their Nebbiolo wines (Le Vigne, Aleste and Valmaggiore) is held back in the winery’s underground cellars under optimal aging conditions to provide this producer’s long-term clients with aged-release wines that are closer to maturity.

It was Luciano Sandrone’s dream that one day, all his wines would be released only when they were ready to drink. Currently, the Sibi et Paucis wines are re-released six years after the vintage for Valmaggiore and 10 years after the vintage for the Barolos. It is a wonderful initiative, and each release comes with a stamp on the label to differentiate it from the original release.

Below are the third-party notes pertaining to the re-released wines, i.e. they are all recent tastings and reviews. Having tasted the wines on more than one occasion, we can say categorically that they are all singing. In what was clearly a challenging year, Sandrone’s outstanding 2014 wines were among the highlights of the vintage (as many of our clients will already attest). Many journalists were quick to dismiss the year given the difficulties of the growing season, yet the best estates far outperformed initial expectations. As a winemaker friend of ours once said: “Time cuts out all the bullshit.”

“It’s easy to focus on the great years,” Luciano told us when his 2014s were first released. “But the wines we make from the challenging years bring me the most satisfaction, the ones that make me the proudest.” Only an estate run by a driven perfectionist could reach such heights (the Sandrone family employed 38 people for farming when the average harvest at this time required only 22 pairs of vineyard hands). Waiting for the right moment to harvest, being willing to undertake a strong green harvest, and making a strict selection during the vintage all paid dividends. 

“The 2014 Barolo Le Vigne Sibi et Paucis opens with hints of cedar, sweet pipe tobacco, dried herbs, mint and dried cherry. Medium in body and sinewy, the 2014 is marked by bright acids, plenty of gorgeous mineral drive and medium-bodied structure. The long, persistent finish is a real thing of beauty.”
96 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“Showing developed tertiary tones, the Luciano Sandrone 2014 Barolo Le Vigne Sibi et Paucis has dried cooking herbs, fennel and tarragon or something like a meat rub. The fruit has all gone to dried cherry and blackcurrant. There is a spicy side to the wine with black pepper or chili flake over medium-rich texture. In this case, the tannins are integrated and polished. The 2014 is ready to drink now.”
94 points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
“Mid to dark ruby. Stunning nose of minerally cherry fruit with a hint of oak. There is rich, voluptuous fruit underneath that still need to unfurl. Juicy fruit on a palate that is still surprisingly closed. Closed yet lush and carried by long sandy tannins. Spectacular for this vintage and still not at its peak.”
17++ points, Walter Speller, JancisRobinson.com
Luciano Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne 2014 Sibi et Paucis (1500ml)
Sold Out
Added
Luciano Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne 2013 Sibi et Paucis
Sold Out
Added

Luciano Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne 2013 Sibi et Paucis

A blend of several small parcels of vines from several communes, Le Vigne is Sandrone’s ode to the classic, Barolo-wide blend that was once the norm. All the sites that contribute to Le Vigne are markedly different from each other in terms of altitude, soil and exposure, and together provide a broad overview of Barolo in a given year. The 2013 Le Vigne includes fruit from four communes: Barolo, Serralunga d’Alba, Novello and Castiglione Falletto. Regarding the winemaking, wild yeast fermentation begins in tank before malolactic conversion and aging in mostly used, 500-litre French oak casks. Approximately 20-30% of the fruit is fermented as bunches, with the destemmed portion having a very high percentage of whole berries. Time on skins varied from ten days to up to one month. Total time in oak was 20-22 months and the wine was, as always, bottled unfiltered. 

“The 2013 Barolo Le Vigne Sibi et Paucis, the Sandrone library release of the 2013, is an infant. That’s the good news. Even better, it is developing at a snails’ pace. Bright red-toned fruit, chalk, mint, white flowers and white pepper lend brightness. Readers will have to be patient though, as the 2013 is nowhere near ready to drink. Those who are fortunate to own it should be thrilled. Magnificent.”
98 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“A late-release bottle that sees another decade of aging in controlled conditions at the winery, the Luciano Sandrone 2013 Barolo Le Vigne Sibi et Paucis is an ambitious effort that seeks to engage lovers of aged Nebbiolo. I wish more wineries in Barolo had late-release programs like this that allow us to buy aged wine directly from the cellars. Showing soft and silky tannins, this wine reveals dark fruit, smoke, tar and licorice. The 2013 vintage is structured, and there is an elegantly dusty quality on the close.”
97 points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
“It’s a dance between ripe acidity and round, stony tannins. Maturity is approaching. It drinks as a complete wine, indeed with nuances of development but still fresh on the fruit front. Flavour comes with perfume, orange oil, Italian herb mix and cured meat. Peppermint tea finish, sarsaparilla or cherry cola to the very end of flavour wrap-up. Nice one and drinks well already.”
95 points, Kasia Sobiesiak, The Wine Front
Luciano Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne 2013 Sibi et Paucis
Sold Out
Added
Luciano Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne 2013 Sibi et Paucis (1500ml)
Sold Out
Added

Luciano Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne 2013 Sibi et Paucis (1500ml)

A blend of several small parcels of vines from several communes, Le Vigne is Sandrone’s ode to the classic, Barolo-wide blend that was once the norm. All the sites that contribute to Le Vigne are markedly different from each other in terms of altitude, soil and exposure, and together provide a broad overview of Barolo in a given year. The 2013 Le Vigne includes fruit from four communes: Barolo, Serralunga d’Alba, Novello and Castiglione Falletto. Regarding the winemaking, wild yeast fermentation begins in tank before malolactic conversion and aging in mostly used, 500-litre French oak casks. Approximately 20-30% of the fruit is fermented as bunches, with the destemmed portion having a very high percentage of whole berries. Time on skins varied from ten days to up to one month. Total time in oak was 20-22 months and the wine was, as always, bottled unfiltered.

“The 2013 Barolo Le Vigne Sibi et Paucis, the Sandrone library release of the 2013, is an infant. That’s the good news. Even better, it is developing at a snails’ pace. Bright red-toned fruit, chalk, mint, white flowers and white pepper lend brightness. Readers will have to be patient though, as the 2013 is nowhere near ready to drink. Those who are fortunate to own it should be thrilled. Magnificent.”
98 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“A late-release bottle that sees another decade of aging in controlled conditions at the winery, the Luciano Sandrone 2013 Barolo Le Vigne Sibi et Paucis is an ambitious effort that seeks to engage lovers of aged Nebbiolo. I wish more wineries in Barolo had late-release programs like this that allow us to buy aged wine directly from the cellars. Showing soft and silky tannins, this wine reveals dark fruit, smoke, tar and licorice. The 2013 vintage is structured, and there is an elegantly dusty quality on the close.”
97 points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
Luciano Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne 2013 Sibi et Paucis (1500ml)
Sold Out
Added
Luciano Sandrone Barolo Aleste 2014 Sibi et Paucis
Sold Out
Added

Luciano Sandrone Barolo Aleste 2014 Sibi et Paucis

The Sandrone family runs an outstanding museum program called Sibi et Paucis. This Latin name translates roughly as “for the few and favoured”. Each year, about 10 to 15% of the production of their Nebbiolo wines (Le Vigne, Aleste and Valmaggiore) is held back in the winery’s underground cellars under optimal aging conditions to provide this producer’s long-term clients with aged-release wines that are closer to maturity.

It was Luciano Sandrone’s dream that one day, all his wines would be released only when they were ready to drink. Currently, the Sibi et Paucis wines are re-released six years after the vintage for Valmaggiore and 10 years after the vintage for the Barolos. It is a wonderful initiative, and each release comes with a stamp on the label to differentiate it from the original release.

Below are the third-party notes pertaining to the re-released wines, i.e. they are all recent tastings and reviews. Having tasted the wines on more than one occasion, we can say categorically that they are all singing. In what was clearly a challenging year, Sandrone’s outstanding 2014 wines were among the highlights of the vintage (as many of our clients will already attest). Many journalists were quick to dismiss the year given the difficulties of the growing season, yet the best estates far outperformed initial expectations. As a winemaker friend of ours once said: “Time cuts out all the bullshit.”

“It’s easy to focus on the great years,” Luciano told us when his 2014s were first released. “But the wines we make from the challenging years bring me the most satisfaction, the ones that make me the proudest.” Only an estate run by a driven perfectionist could reach such heights (the Sandrone family employed 38 people for farming when the average harvest at this time required only 22 pairs of vineyard hands). Waiting for the right moment to harvest, being willing to undertake a strong green harvest, and making a strict selection during the vintage all paid dividends. 






“From the late-release program, the Luciano Sandrone 2014 Barolo Aleste Sibi et Paucis brings us back to a controversial vintage that has outperformed initial expectations. The tertiary notes are developed in this case, but they work nicely across from candied cherry, earthy licorice root and orange zest. There is a hint of underbrush, with some savory spice and cured leather. Only 1,500 bottles exist.”
95 points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
“The 2014 Barolo Aleste Sibi et Paucis is just now entering its early plateau of maturity. Bright acids and savory nuances give the 2014 notable freshness. Medium in body and wonderfully sculpted, the 2014 offers good drive in the focused style of the year. The 2014 has aged well, but it also shows some aggressiveness in its tannins and a finish that is a bit abrupt relative to Le Vigne.”
93 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“Deep ruby with orange tinges. Deep, slumbering cherry with complex savoury notes. Polished, suave cool red-cherry fruit with beautiful, fine but gripping tannins rolling over the red fruit. At its peak but will stay there for quite some time.”
17.5 points, Walter Speller, JancisRobinson.com
Luciano Sandrone Barolo Aleste 2014 Sibi et Paucis
Sold Out
Added
Luciano Sandrone Barolo Aleste 2014 Sibi et Paucis (1500ml)
Sold Out
Added

Luciano Sandrone Barolo Aleste 2014 Sibi et Paucis (1500ml)

The Sandrone family runs an outstanding museum program called Sibi et Paucis. This Latin name translates roughly as “for the few and favoured”. Each year, about 10 to 15% of the production of their Nebbiolo wines (Le Vigne, Aleste and Valmaggiore) is held back in the winery’s underground cellars under optimal aging conditions to provide this producer’s long-term clients with aged-release wines that are closer to maturity.

It was Luciano Sandrone’s dream that one day, all his wines would be released only when they were ready to drink. Currently, the Sibi et Paucis wines are re-released six years after the vintage for Valmaggiore and 10 years after the vintage for the Barolos. It is a wonderful initiative, and each release comes with a stamp on the label to differentiate it from the original release.

Below are the third-party notes pertaining to the re-released wines, i.e. they are all recent tastings and reviews. Having tasted the wines on more than one occasion, we can say categorically that they are all singing. In what was clearly a challenging year, Sandrone’s outstanding 2014 wines were among the highlights of the vintage (as many of our clients will already attest). Many journalists were quick to dismiss the year given the difficulties of the growing season, yet the best estates far outperformed initial expectations. As a winemaker friend of ours once said: “Time cuts out all the bullshit.”

“It’s easy to focus on the great years,” Luciano told us when his 2014s were first released. “But the wines we make from the challenging years bring me the most satisfaction, the ones that make me the proudest.” Only an estate run by a driven perfectionist could reach such heights (the Sandrone family employed 38 people for farming when the average harvest at this time required only 22 pairs of vineyard hands). Waiting for the right moment to harvest, being willing to undertake a strong green harvest, and making a strict selection during the vintage all paid dividends. 







“From the late-release program, the Luciano Sandrone 2014 Barolo Aleste Sibi et Paucis brings us back to a controversial vintage that has outperformed initial expectations. The tertiary notes are developed in this case, but they work nicely across from candied cherry, earthy licorice root and orange zest. There is a hint of underbrush, with some savory spice and cured leather. Only 1,500 bottles exist.”
95 points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
“The 2014 Barolo Aleste Sibi et Paucis is just now entering its early plateau of maturity. Bright acids and savory nuances give the 2014 notable freshness. Medium in body and wonderfully sculpted, the 2014 offers good drive in the focused style of the year. The 2014 has aged well, but it also shows some aggressiveness in its tannins and a finish that is a bit abrupt relative to Le Vigne.”
93 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“Deep ruby with orange tinges. Deep, slumbering cherry with complex savoury notes. Polished, suave cool red-cherry fruit with beautiful, fine but gripping tannins rolling over the red fruit. At its peak but will stay there for quite some time.”
17.5 points, Walter Speller, JancisRobinson.com
Luciano Sandrone Barolo Aleste 2014 Sibi et Paucis (1500ml)
Sold Out
Added

“Of the Piedmont wineries that are still in their first generation, those that started in or around the 1980s, Luciano Sandrone is arguably the only estate that has joined the small group of properties, all of them multi-generational, whose wines are widely recognized as icons and collectibles.” Antonio Galloni, Vinous

“Luciano Sandrone is one of the leading lights in Piedmont. No grower has managed to so brilliantly reconcile modern and traditional approaches… Luciano Sandrone's wines have never been more elegant than they are today. …Simply put, Luciano Sandrone is at the top of his game.”
Antonio Galloni, The Wine Advocate

“Today his cru Cannubi Boshis and blend Le Vigne, wines at their best miraculously combining power and concentration with elegance, are amongst the most sought after internationally, almost impossible to obtain even at high price.” Nicolas Belfrage, Barolo to Valpolicella

Other Recent Releases

  • Robert Weil
    Robert Weil
    We are delighted to offer our clients another note-perfect set of Rieslings from this f...
    We are delighted to offer our clients another note-perfect set of Rieslings from this flawless Rheingau grower. The wines look as exciting as any w...

    Read more

  • Jo Landron
    Jo Landron
    We try never to get carried away at International Fine Wines, but a bottle of Jo Landro...
    We try never to get carried away at International Fine Wines, but a bottle of Jo Landron’s single-vineyard 2021 Les Houx—a refreshing curveball...

    Read more

  • Cellier Saint Benoit
    Cellier Saint Benoit
    Luis Gutiérrez has got it right. Only in his late 20s, Benjamin Benoit is already a ris...
    Luis Gutiérrez has got it right. Only in his late 20s, Benjamin Benoit is already a rising star of the Jura. Born into a family of Pupillin winegro...

    Read more

  • Cult California
    Cult California
    Hot couples strutting their stuff are a dime a dozen on Hollywood’s red carpets, but no...
    Hot couples strutting their stuff are a dime a dozen on Hollywood’s red carpets, but none come close to the star quality of this box-office Cali du...

    Read more

  • Les Nuances du Chardonnay
    Les Nuances du Chardonnay
    In the eyes of white-wine drinkers, Chardonnay reigns supreme. It is the world’s most p...
    In the eyes of white-wine drinkers, Chardonnay reigns supreme. It is the world’s most planted and most popular white variety. Few places on earth...

    Read more

  • Larmandier-Bernier
    Larmandier-Bernier
    “We’re in a new period for Champagne,” Vouette et Sourbée’s Bertrand Gautherot said sev...
    “We’re in a new period for Champagne,” Vouette et Sourbée’s Bertrand Gautherot said several years ago. “Before, it was all about image; now, it is ...

    Read more

  • Corzano e Paterno
    Corzano e Paterno
    It’s always fun visiting the cultivated crew at Corzano e Paterno. After working and st...
    It’s always fun visiting the cultivated crew at Corzano e Paterno. After working and studying abroad with David Croix in Burgundy and Mac Forbes in...

    Read more

  • Quealy
    Quealy
    Kathleen Quealy and Kevin McCarthy started something unique with Quealy Wines in 2003. ...
    Kathleen Quealy and Kevin McCarthy started something unique with Quealy Wines in 2003. With their son Tom McCarthy now el jefe chez Quealy, this pi...

    Read more

View All Offers

More Content

Read more about this producer
Welcome