Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne 2015
The nose of the Le Vigne is currently restrained but shows excellent raspberry and red fruits with licorice, augmented by a delicate mineral component. In the mouth it is still quite structured but has a warm, inviting mid palate characterized by ripe red and black fruits and notes of black pepper, licorice and dried herbs. The tannins are surprisingly well-integrated, and the wine feels broad and vast in the mouth - there is much untapped potential that requires only a bit a patience. The finish is long and mineral, with cherry notes brightened by the balanced acidity.
Critical Acclaim
97 James Suckling
A tight and focused Le Vigne with strawberry, orange-peel and floral aromas and hints of hazelnuts. Not giving it all now. Full-bodied, very intense and focused. Extremely long and polished, tannic finish. Drink from 2023.
96 Wine Enthusiast
Ripe black-skinned berry, pipe tobacco, ground clove and star anise lead the way on this full-bodied red. The smooth, tightly knit palate offers succulent black cherry, cranberry compote, coconut and espresso alongside firm, fine-grained tannins. A licorice note graces the finish. Drink 2022–2030.
95 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Luciano Sandrone expected this would be a beautiful year for Nebbiolo, with fruit showing the qualities of an important wine all throughout the growing season and right up to harvest. And yes, the 2015 Barolo le Vigne did turn out to be a great vintage, with a full aromatic array of perfumed rose, lavender and violet. For all of its generosity and expressiveness, with just a beautiful bouquet that sings out a seductive mezzo-soprano aria, be forewarned that in the mouth this is followed by rigidity and nervousness. That explosive bouquet might mislead you into thinking this is a rather evolved wine, but you certainly feel its youth on the palate. To be frank, this was an easy year to make wine, and it's not a big surprise that this edition of le Vigne turned out to be as classic and as good as it is. It should get even better with time.
95 Jeb Dunnuck
Tasted at the estate alongside the 2021, the 2015 Barolo Le Vigne boasts a reflective red color and is an introspective, deep vintage with notes of ripe cherries, polished leather, sweet tobacco, and stony earth. It offers relatively full-bodied richness on the palate, with a refined and broad-shouldered feel, and a mouthwatering, dark mineral note on the finish.
94 Wine Spectator
Distinctive aromas of freshly mowed hay, blood orange and cherry mark this supple, elegant and vibrant Barolo. Tightens up on the finish, but chalk that up to youthful exuberance. Stretches out nicely on the finish. Best from 2023 through 2042.