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Luciano Sandrone crafts wines of profound integrity, purity and deep expression. The Valmaggiore vineyard in the Roero hills, on the left bank of the Tanaro river, is one of the best historic sources of origin and quality. Already in the nineteenth century, the Nebbiolo grapes grown in this vineyard were so highly regarded that they dictated the price for the entire territory.

The Estate produces just 900 cases of this succulent, dark cherry and anise-scented Barbaresco. Like all of the Rocca family's Barbaresco, this is a single cru wine. It hails from a south facing, single site in a cru called Montersino (in the Treiso commune). One day it may well be labelled according to its cru. The altitude here is 310 metres and the soil is a mixture of clay and limestone. It's 100 per cent Nebbiolo of course, from another super vintage, and matured exclusively in large, 20 hectolitre, Austrian coopered Botti for two years. Succulent, pure and meticulously crafted, there is a wonderful core of dark cherry, lavender and tobacco scented fruit and fine structure to balance the fleshy texture. Nebbiolo in all its atmospheric glory.

In 2011 we started to think and act organic in the vineyards (officially certified since 2016). In 2015 our evolution continued with the introduction of a Biodynamic approach to the entire property. Key changes to improve the ecosystem include, adding trees and plants in the vineyards, introducing a green garden, and building birdhouses. While we have always sought balance in the vineyards, we now look for it in every part of our environment. For us, that means no chemical weeding, no systemic anti-parasite treatments, and no chemical fertilization. In addition, we plant barley, oats, and clover between the vines to revitalize the soil. To keep soft the soil not to stress the roots of the vines. We use corroborates to reduce chemical treatments and we even make our own compost. To promote as much biodiversity as possible we practice farming diversification by incorporating other crops. Finally, we always bottle with the energy of the waning moon.

John Duval, famously known as the craftsman of the mighty Penfolds Grange, continues to further forge his reputation as a maker of great Shiraz. 'Eligo' from the latin: 'To pick out, select or choose or choose the best' is the flagship wine of the John Duval stable with its main aim to produce a Shiraz with structure and an elegant expression of its terrior. Multi layered with lashes of dark berry fruit, the wine is intense yet still quite restrained. An excellent Barossan Shiraz!

Complete with well developed strawberries and cream with savoury, generous fruit. Playful and fun, solid depth and length. This is a big step up from the standard Barbaresco. The sophistication of mouthfeel, layering of tannins and flavours marking the difference.

The Barolo embarks on a rather straightforward performance initially, and the wine gains in complexity as it opens in the glass. The bouquet is elegant and tapered with wild berry, spice and licorice. It is ample in terms of mouthfeel, delivering medium texture and depth. Classic and elegant are two appropriate descriptors. ‘Alessandria's Barolo is gorgeous. Sweet dark cherry, kirsch, cinnamon, rose petal, mint and orange peel lead into a core of soft, open-knit fruit. Silky tannins and soft contours add to its overall appeal. The aromatics alone are beguiling, but it is the wine's overall balance that is most impressive of all.’ - Antonio Galloni.

Pegasus Bay have about a dozen different clones of Pinot Noir. With their original plantings, these grow intermingled throughout the various blocks. The vines, many of which are nearly 30 years old and on their own roots, grow on a series of north facing, gradually descending terraces. Traditional Burgundian winemaking methods are used. Bright ruby colour. Its generous aromas and flavours dark cherries, blackberries, raspberries and mulberries, suffused with chocolate mocha and spice. There is an underlying savoury character, suggesting grilled meats and mushrooms with a hint of black olive tapenade. It is seductively light on entry but rapidly expands on the palate to become rich and mouth filling, while retaining elegance and poise. Silky tannins help draw out its lingering aftertaste.

AZIENDA AGRICOLA SORDO GIOVANNI Barolo , Barolo DOCG, Barolo DOCG