Barolo DOCG Lazzarito 2015 Vietti

Opening to a beautifully floral bouquet, the 2015 Barolo Lazzarito delivers fragrant tones of violets, wild rose and a touch of orange blossom. As is the norm at Vietti, I tasted this wine and then wrote this review based on impressions gained from two samples—one opened several hours before my tasting and one opened at the moment of my review. Those floral notes came forth with increased intensity and clarity in the bottle that had been opened longer. The bouquet continues to surprise with touches of black fruit and freshly milled white pepper. However, like many wines from Serralunga d’Alba, this expression from Lazzarito reveals a pretty inner paradox. Those ethereal and balsamic aromas cede to a dense and rich mouthfeel, characterized by structure and power. Those two sides of the wine reach beautiful parity and lasting harmony.

I tasted these wines just before lunch hour. Luca Currado always prepares two bottles of each sample for my tasting. One was opened at 10 a.m. (so about three hours earlier), and the second was opened just prior to being poured into the glass. The notes published here represent an edited version with reflections and comments from both bottles. Vietti likes to release his wines when they are in a more reductive state, so this two-bottle approach is much appreciated by critics like me because you gain a much better understanding of the possible evolution of each wine poured.

This is a very youthful Barolo that has attractive, fragrant perfume with freshly picked roasting herbs and a strong, central thread of ripe cherries and red plums. The pure and concentrated palate frames intense plum and cherry flavors in long, unwavering tannins that deliver rich, strong and seamless into the finish. Exceptional quality and built for aging. Try from 2025.

Rich and multifaceted, sporting cherry, raspberry, green tea, iron and tobacco flavors. The sweet fruit is matched to firm, dense tannins and the finish turns austere for now. Everything is in the right proportion, but patience is required. Best from 2023 through 2045. 745 cases made.

The 2015 Barolo Lazzarito is one of the highlights in this range from Vietti. The power and gravitas of Serralunga come through loud and clear in a deep, beautifully resonant Barolo loaded with character. Iron, smoke, sage, menthol, licorice and rose petal give the Lazzarito its beguiling aromatic complexity. The massive tannins need time to soften, but there is a lot to look forward to once that happens.