The Sandrone family runs an outstanding museum program called Sibi et Paucis. This Latin name translates roughly as “for the few and favoured”. Each year, about 10 to 15% of the production of their Nebbiolo wines (Le Vigne, Aleste and Valmaggiore) is held back in the winery’s underground cellars under optimal aging conditions to provide this producer’s long-term clients with aged-release wines that are closer to maturity.
It was Luciano Sandrone’s dream that one day, all his wines would be released only when they were ready to drink. Currently, the Sibi et Paucis wines are re-released six years after the vintage for Valmaggiore and 10 years after the vintage for the Barolos. It is a wonderful initiative, and each release comes with a stamp on the label to differentiate it from the original release.
Now approaching its tenth birthday, the 2015 Barolo Aleste Sibi et Paucis is impressive. Dark and ample in the glass, the 2015 offers up a beguiling mix of black cherry, plum, licorice, new leather and mocha. Floral notes open on the mid-palate and finish, giving this generous, super-expressive Barolo added layers of nuance