Baudana Barolo Nebbiolo

Popped and poured; enjoyed over a couple of hours. No formal notes but I can assure all that this is freaking delizioso. Loads of sexy red fruits: fresh bramble fruit, Montmorency cherry, pomegranate, cranberries along with some orange peel...and a tar pit…surrounded by a wall of roses. The tannins are so firm (high) right now. Acid is medium+. The finish is impossibly long, drying and savory. This is incredible and the only reason I opened one now is because I wanted to try while young since I have multiples. The 2019 vintage is the real deal. Best after 2029 and should be a stunner through 2069.

Brought from my cellar and opened just before dinner at Casa Bovina where it was decanted with the expectation that it would be paired with our “Della Terre” course of duck and our “Bistecca” course of Certified Piedmontese rib cap. In the glass, the 2005 Luigi Baudana, “Baudana” pours a gorgeous, almost youthful garnet with a transparent core. On the nose, oooof…be still my beating heart! Cherries, strawberries, and blackberries with tar, truffles, roses and earth. I could just sit and sniff this for hours; my God it is absolutely divine! On the palate, the wine is bone dry and the tannins are well integrated now; acid at medium+. The finish is long and silky. What a gorgeous, elegant example of the 2005 vintage that comes across as Burgundian as any I’ve had from Serralunga d’Alba. This is drinking well now and will continue to do so well past 2030 but unless you have a bunch of this in your cellar, why wait?

It should be noted that Luigi was still responsible for the winemaking back in 2005. Just a few years later, the Vajra family took over and they continue to carry on the tradition and spirit of this small, traditional producer as Luigi and Fiorina have since retired and have no heir. The Baudana’s holdings lie on opposite ends of the Baudana MGA. Production remains minuscule; maybe 300 cases a year.

Tar, plum and roses. Drinks nicely but keep another 10 years for optimum drinkability

Medium ruby color with aromas of ripe red fruits and hints of smoky herbs. The palate brings fruit forward with tart cherry and plums. Tannins are powerful with high acidity noted. The finish is medium and ends with earthy mineral notes. Very nice for reasonably priced Barolo.

Popped and poured. Tar and tart dark fruits on the nose. On the palate, 90%+ dark chocolate, espresso, dark fruits. Huge tannins and waves of acid...massive structure and fairly powerful. I didn’t really expect this from a 2014. I love this and it’s definitely worthy of some cellar time.

Have you ever had bad Barolo? I sure haven’t. I’ve had good Barolo and great Barolo. This is great Barolo, all tar and roses. Elegant but beastly tannin.

Mint, wild herbs, barnyard/Brett, tomato skins, stem, leather and tar. Softened structure —- moderate plus to elevated acid, tannin and body.

Bright red cherry, cherry candy, rose / thick, balanced tannins

A darker side of Nebbiolo emerges from the 2014 Barolo Baudana. Powerful but also supple, the 2014 is a wine of pure, arresting beauty. Sweet red cherry, kirsch and floral notes meld together in a striking, textured Barolo that is a joy to taste, even at this early stage. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Feb 2018)

Trying this wine on a Monday night. This is a tightly wound, rose filled, nebbiolo that has wonderful structure for aging. It has some pleasure now but in my estimation needs another 5 years before opening and then will improve over the following decade. Great effort by Vajra!