Langhe Nebbiolo Ester Canale Rosso

Oh wow! This was poured blind, and everything about it was beautiful - from the colour to the last sip. I was convinced it was a Cru Barolo from Comm. G.B. Burlotto. But no - it turned out to be Langhe Ester Canale Rosso! What a surprise. The title of best Langhe Nebbiolo just shifted from Cascina delle Rose to this bottle... though to be fair, I haven't tried the 2021 Cascina yet - a side-by-side will have to happen once all the bottles arrive.

In any case, this is a fantastic wine. A touch of cherry cola, then an entire rose-and-peony garden explodes from the glass. Blackberry, earth, dark chocolate. It unfolds so gracefully. Brilliant acidity, gorgeous texture - it's silky, juicy, and incredibly balanced. The tannins are definitely drying, but they're so smooth you find yourself gulping, not sipping. It's just that juicy.