Tasting Note
96 Points, Antonio Galloni, 2022-2042 Vinous The 2012 Barolo Lazzarito impresses for its precision and class, two qualities that aren't easy to find in wines from this Serralunga site. Iron, smoke and white pepper lift from the glass in a vertical, structured Barolo endowed with real pedigree. A rush of pomegranate, red cherry jam, wild flowers and blood orange meld into the huge, bright finish. In 2012, the Lazzarito reconciles power and finesse like few vintages in the past. For the last few years, the Lazzarito has been knocking on the door of the big boys in this lineup, the Rocche and Ravera. Today, the Lazzarito makes a strong statement that it has arrived.Review Date: 01 Mar 16
About the Producer
Producing some of the finest wines of the region, Vietti is famed for its stand-out, single vineyard Barolo, namely Rocche, Ravera, Brunate, Lazzarito, Villero Riserva and, more recently, Cerequio and the revered Monvigliero. Vietti produces remarkably refined Barolo – they are incredibly textural, finely judged, and expressive. Outside the ‘great’ years that have gained them their recognition, they also excel in relatively unsung vintages like the 2011s, 2014s, 2015s, 2017s and 2018s. Since 1974, they have become known for their specially designed art label which helped establish their icon status and commitment to their heritage. In 2016, Luca and Elena Currado took the decision to move on from Vietti, having sold the estate to Italian-American businessman Kyle Krause. The Krause family’s investment has allowed Vietti to develop their holdings by purchasing parcels in Cru vineyards such as the aforementioned Monviglierio in Verduno and Cerequio in La Morra as well as Roncaglie in Treiso (Barbaresco), together with a hectare of Rabajà in Barbaresco itself. The vineyard acquisitions and the support for the Vietti team show that the new owners are profoundly committed to continuing the direction on which Luca and Elena set the estate. The unwavering vision that was originally set out for Vietti to be one of the leading fine wine estates of Piemonte remains strong, and the focus on producing incredibly high quality wines while adapting to changing vintage conditions is evident. The wines show a clear balance of respect for tradition and their heritage together with a deep understanding of modern viticulture and winemaking, significant considering most producers in Barolo have converged on a middle ground between traditional and modern winemaking practices. Importantly, Vietti was one of the leaders in recognising and expressing individual cru or terroir within Piemonte, something it has achieved with great success vintage-in-vintage-out for the last 20 years already.
