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92 AG. "The 2018 Barolo Acclivi is a Verduno blend from Monvigliero, Neirane and Rocche Olmo. Creamy and layered in the glass, with terrific persistence and fine balance, the Acclivi is an absolute delight in 2018. Red/purplish berry fruit, rose petal, spice, lavender and macerated cherry build nicely over time. The Acclivi is sometimes overlooked in this range, which is a shame as it is a terrific wine . . . . The Barolo, Acclivi and the new wine from Castelletto spent 21-22 months in cask, about a year less than normal, a choice that paid off handsomely. Alessandria told me the wines were ready on the early side, so he bottled them. The Monvigliero, on the other hand, spent its typical 32-33 months in cask. At the end of the day, winemaking comes down to a series of decisions in the vineyard and winery, some of them small, some of them not so small. It is the sum of these choices that determines the final result. These days, Fabio Alessandria seems to be making the right calls. His 2018 Barolos are gorgeous and among the highlights in this very tricky vintage." Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com, Nov 2021 |