Il Poeta Barolo Riserva 2008

The year 2008 was an especially good vintage in Barolo. Or as Bruce Sanderson wrote in Wine Spectator, “wine lovers who seek structured and expressive Nebbiolo with pure fruit flavors…will find much to like in 2008 Barolo.” Just entering its peak drinking window, Il Poeta Barolo Riserva is an excellent example, offering bold fruit flavors and a hug of leather.

The wine comes courtesy of Paolo Sartirano, our longtime partner in Piedmont, who works with grower Natale Seghesio, known locally as il Poeta—“The Poet”—for his habit of penning a verse for each vintage. (If you can read Italian, you can follow along with his script on the bottle’s label.)

Together, the two have a reputation for orchestrating terroir-driven wines of unending finesse and impressive longevity—this selection included.

Aged 18 months in Slavonian oak casks followed by 14 and a half years in bottle, it delivers full, attention-grabbing flavors of red berries, black cherries and violets balanced by leather and mocha tones gleaned from long aging. Though undeniably bold, its tannins have softened over the years, lending an overall velvet texture.

It’s the perfect accompaniment to equally full-flavored meals, like risotto with truffles, braised meats or hearty, rustic pasta dishes. To get the most of the wine, decant it a few hours before serving.

It’s rare for us to unearth mature wines of this caliber (and value). Secure your allocation now to avoid missing out.

Extremely limited.