The calling card of Valmaggiore is the haunting Nebbiolo aromas, and this vintage is a textbook example of the Roero's potential. Aromas and flavors of sour dark cherries, wild strawberries, pomegranate seeds and currant waft from the glass, with impeccable balance and harmony on the palate. This wine is delicate, mid-bodied and elegant, with great harmony between the fruit, mineral and acid components. The finish has ripe tannins and excellent length This is a generous, open and sweet expression of the Valmaggiore. The finish is balanced and ripe, ending with a distinct mineral note.
Winemaker Notes
The 2021 Valmaggiore is an exercise in restraint. It offers up pretty, uplifting aromas of red fruits, roses, white pepper and freshly-picked violets. On the palate, red fruits are front and center, framed by tobacco, spice and mineral notes. The tannins are both strong and soft yet give the wine its unmistakable mid-weight structure. The acidity is bracingly fresh, and the finish long and layered, with red fruits, graphite and earth notes lingering.
Professional Ratings
94
VinousThe 2021 Nebbiolo d'Alba Valmaggiore is a serious, serious wine that needs time in the cellar to be at its best. It shows the lighter style of Nebbiolo from Roero, but with all the elements dialed up. I especially admire its mid-palate depth and overall resonance. Succulent red cherry, white pepper, cedar, mint and orange peel all take shape in this super-expressive Nebbiolo.
93
Jeb Dunnuck
92
Wine Advocate
92
Wine EnthusiastThe Valmaggiore of Sandrone is a benchmark wine. This vintage, the wine leaps from the glass with aromas of macerated raspberries, tea leaves, sweet and savory spices, rosebud and wild herbs. The structured palate opens with ripe cherries dusted with allspice and clove, then evolves into savory and earthy notes that are all surrounded by fine and firm tannins. Drink now–2040.
91
James SucklingThis is flavorful and red-fruited with hints of citrus and hibiscus on offer. Medium-bodied and crunchy with chalky texture and a vivid, mineral finish.
90
Wine SpectatorThough leaning to the muscular side, with a solid structure, this also possesses generous cherry and raspberry fruit. Leads with a smooth texture, giving in to dusty tannins on the finish.
