Luigi Baudana Barolo Baudana 2020

Luigi Baudana's Barolo, grown in the Baudana vineyard, carries a strong sense of place which shines through in its depth and character. Often considered the jewel in their crown, it's certainly in Barolo's Premier League. Aged for two years in Slavonian casks and bottled in July 2023, it's got a wonderful mix of juicy, ripe black cherries, plums, and peaches at first which unfold into richer layers, with hints of tobacco, a touch of spicy liquorice, and a subtle earthiness underscored by refined tannins. Balanced with fresh acidity and a delicate floral note, it's structured yet inviting, offering a well-rounded, refined finish that speaks to its quality and provenance. The result is a first-rate Barolo that's both bold and graceful.

The bold fruit, earthy notes, and structured tannins here really suit depth and richness of dishes such as slow-cooked lamb shank, truffle risotto, or wild mushroom tagliatelle.

This will really come into its own in the second half of the 2020s.

You can think of Luigi Baudana as a proper garagiste operation. Nestled in the commune of Serralunga d'Alba they operate with only a few hectares of vineyards and a diminutive winery. In 2009, Luigi Baudana and his wife Fiorina, after years of dedicated work were contemplating retirement and despite lucrative offers for their prime sites, they chose to partner with the nearby GD Vajra, to ensure the estate retained its identity rather than be subsumed into a larger entity. It's good to report the vineyards continue to produce excellent fruit, and with the Vajra influence in the cellar, the wines have reached new heights.