Wine Advocate #149 (Oct 2003)  Daniel Thomases 90 points  Drink 2003-2008; The 1999 Barolo Cannubi, from a vineyard plot which the family recently purchased at a record price, lighter in color than Sarmassa, is very balsamic on the nose, fragrant in its suffused aromas of macerated cherries, anisette, and plums, is soft and velvety on the palate, but with an inner core of strength, a caressing texture, and sweet licorice notes on the close. Deceptively ready, it will drink well until 2018.

Formed in the tertiary era (10 Millions years ago) Cannubi is one of the most distinctive zones of Barolo. It is in Cannubi where two of the three geologic formations which constitute the zone of Barolo are found. It is in Cannubi, in fact, where two of the three geologic formations which constitute the Barolo area are found. SANT'AGATA FOSSIL MARL (TOV) : Largely found in the comuni of Barolo and La Morra, it dates to the Tortonian era and is bluish-grey in colour, clayey in nature with rich calcareous component. DIANO SANDSTONES : Present in the comuni of Castiglione Falletto, Monforte and Barolo. The formation is composed of generally compact sand alternating with grey sandstone, originating in the Helvetian period.

After careful harvesting by hand in October, the grapes are taken to the cellar where they are crushed and destemmed into temperature controlled fermentation tanks, where they are given a 7-8 day fermentation at under 30°C. During this stage maceration is carried out with a floating cap and frequent pump-overs. Once the primary fermentation is completed, maceration may be extended for a further 10-15 days. The wine is then taken off the skins and transferred to stainless steel to undergo malolactic fermentation. The wine is then matured in 30 hl Slovenian oak botti. This maturation lasts for a minimum of two years, after which the wine is tasted to determine an appropriate bottling date. Once bottled it is kept for a further year in a temperature controlled cellar at about 15°C. The approx. 7-8.000 bottles are then labelled in accord with requirements of the DOCG law, each bottle receiving its own individual production number. The wine is then released.

To all Barolo lovers ‘Cannubi’ is one of the greats. This is from what Enzo calls an‘annata eccezionale’. If you tried the ’99 Barolo ‘normale’ you’ll have some idea of what to expect. Powerful yet generous. Watch this open up!