Fortemasso Barolo Castelletto 2019 (1.5L) *

Nebbiolo grown in the Castelletto cru of Monforte d'Alba gives Fortemasso a wine with the firm bones Barolo is known for. This is the 2019, a single-vineyard bottling that leans toward the ripe, red-fruited side of the appellation while holding onto the tannic grip and structure that make Barolo worth cellaring.

The nose leans sweet and perfumed, cherry and candied licorice edging into dried roses, crushed sage, and cigar box. On the palate it's medium-bodied and grippy, framed by an angular acidity that keeps everything taut. The finish runs long and zesty, with a dusty earthiness in the tail. Firm now, it has the framework to reward another several years in the cellar.