Sordo Barolo Ravera Riserva DOCG 2008

The 2008s are gorgeous Baroli with expressive aromatics and tons of length. Overall, this is a vintage of medium-bodied wines with considerable minerality. The vintage reminds me most of 2005, but the 2008s are much more complete. Readers may recall that the vast majority of 2005 was picked in late September, earlier than would have otherwise been optimal, as growers worked to avoid a ten-day storm that was approaching during harvest. The 2008 Nebbioli, on the other hand, were picked from the middle to late October, and therefore achieved much more phenolic ripeness and overall balance. There is a Pinot-like sweetness to many 2008s that is highly unusual for Nebbiolo, but that is immensely appealing in the young wines.