Damilano - ‘Lecinquevinge’ - Barolo - 2017

Damilano has worked Barolo since 1890; son-in-law Giacomo Damilano gave the estate its name in 1935, and three brothers -- Guido, Mario and Paolo -- run it today, with Cannubi as their signature cru. Le Cinque Vigne is the house's blended Barolo, drawn from five vineyards across four villages -- Barolo, Grinzane, Monforte and Novello -- with Grinzane-Cavour fruit giving it a rounder, more approachable style than a single-cru bottling. The 2017 is full-bodied and firmly structured, a serious way into Barolo before a single vineyard. Ripe wild berry, blue flower and forest floor on the nose, with a balsamic whiff of camphor. Full-bodied and firmly structured, with raspberry compote, licorice and menthol over tight, fine-grained tannins.