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October 22, 2024

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Piedmont Uncorked: Everyday Barolo

Barolo for Today: Why the 2020 Vintage is a Game Changer!

Our love for Piedmont is at an all-time high, and we’re kicking off a special series highlighting the amazing variety this region has to offer, starting with the most legendary of them all, Barolo! Now, we know Barolo has earned its title as the "King of Wine," but today we’re flipping the script and showing you how the 2020 vintage is perfect for your everyday glass. Yep, you read that right—everyday Barolo.

What is "Everyday Barolo"?

Barolo is typically known for its immense power, complexity, and, let’s be honest, sometimes punishing tannins that usually demand years of aging before you even think about opening a bottle. But recently, there’s been a shift, part of a broader evolution in Barolo production. More winemakers are embracing a "new age" style, focusing on balance, purity, and terroir expression over heavy oak and intense tannins. This approach makes Barolo much more accessible in its youth, and the 2020 vintage perfectly captures this transformation. With warmer growing conditions and less extraction, these wines offer a gentler, more approachable profile. You still get all the classic Nebbiolo charm, just without the wait.

Why 2020 Stands Out

While the 2020 vintage aligns perfectly with the post-modern Barolo style, not all 2020 Barolos are ready to drink just yet. Many Crus and even some entry-level bottles still have significant tannins and need time to soften. But we’ve found some real gems that showcase grace, finesse, silky textures, vibrant red fruit, and a sense of immediacy that’s rare for Nebbiolo. These are the everyday Barolos—the ones you can open now and savor without hesitation.

That said, these "everyday Barolos" still have enough structure to age for 5 to 10 years. But with wines this good right off the bat, who has the patience to wait? Jeff Porter from Wine Enthusiast calls them “so delicious that it’ll be hard to keep them from your friends,” let alone your cellar. After tasting firsthand at the Barolo Barbaresco World Open back in March, we’re convinced this is a vintage you can start enjoying today.

Our Handpicked Selections - Shop the Collection Here!

We’ve spent the last month tasting through 2020 Barolos (all in the name of research, of course!) and have handpicked a lineup that brings all the magic of the region at a wallet-friendly price. Now, we get it. $30 might not scream “everyday wine,” but hear us out. These Barolos are so ridiculously good for the price, so approachable, and so downright delicious that you might find yourself popping a bottle on a random Tuesday with a burger. Seriously, they’re that good.

Our advice? Buy six or twelve. Enjoy half now and lay the rest down. Start that wine collection you’ve been meaning to and watch these beauties evolve… if you can keep your hands off them for that long! And since it’s truffle season in Alba (hello, International White Truffle Fair), there’s no better pairing than a glass of Barolo and your favorite truffle dishes.

June 12, 2024

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Producer Spotlight: Lynch Bages & Chateau Leoville Las Cases

This revered Pauillac estate has once again crafted a wine that encapsulates the essence of its terroir, blending concentration, elegance, and charm all for under $100!

A Legacy of Excellence:
Known for its Cabernet-based wines, this fifth growth estate has built a reputation for producing bottles with beautiful aromatics, rich tannins, and long finishes that gain softness and complexity with age. The meticulous process of hand-picking, sorting, and selecting only the most premium grapes ensures the highest quality in every bottle of this flagship wine.

A 97 Point Wine
This vintage is a real powerhouse. When we tasted it back in April, it showcased an abundance of black and blue fruits and a deeply tannic structure that demands patience. Described as "one of the biggest, richest wines in the vintage," this wine will need time to mellow out and show its best, so don't expect to crack it open right when you receive it in 2026.

Why Invest?
The 2020 vintage of Lynch Bages was honored with the #3 spot on Wine Spectator’s coveted Top 100 of 2023 with a listing price of $137. With the 2023 vintage promising similar accolades but at a more accessible price, this wine is a no-brainer buy for under $100. It is a serious, structured, and incredibly impressive Pauillac that stands as a testament to the estate's legacy.

The Legacy of Léoville Las Cases

Château Léoville-Las Cases is one of the oldest and most revered estates in the Médoc region, with roots tracing back to the 17th century. The estate was originally part of a larger property that was divided after the French Revolution, resulting in the creation of three esteemed vineyards: Léoville-Las Cases, Léoville-Poyferré, and Léoville-Barton. Today, the estate remains under the stewardship of the Delon family, who continue to produce wines of exceptional quality and elegance.

2023 Léoville Las Cases
After a day of tasting through countless wines, this emerged for us as a true standout. With its enticing aromas, silky texture, and keen balance, it epitomizes excellence. Serious and structured, this is a worthy successor to the remarkable 2022 vintage. Its expressive aromatics of dark purple and black fruit captivate the senses. Supple, succulent, and seductive, it strikes a perfect balance between power and finesse. Keep in mind that this is not for those looking for instant gratification, as it demands a good decade of bottle age to reach its full potential.