Since the very early 20th century, generations of the Sordo family have been quietly collecting parcels of the finest Nebbiolo-growing dirt in the Langhe. They now have numerous plots of vines in Roero (for the wonderful Nebbiolo d’Alba), in Barbaresco and particularly Barolo – where they actually own 17 pieces of Cru classified vineyard and release an unprecedented 8 labelled (Barolo) Cru wines from these, so far. The future should see a couple more single-Cru releases (from La Morra and Barolo).

These are a cavalcade of Barolo’s most famous names – many of them appearing in any list of Barolo’s Top 10 Cru; Ravera, Monvigliero, Parussi, Perno, and Gabutti and the revered Castiglione Falletto trio of Villero, Rocche di Castiglione and the great Monprivato. The scene is set by the blended Barolo ‘normale’ a superb wine that perhaps best testifies to the sites and winemaking of the Sordo family.
Gabutti – from Serralunga d’Alba, Sordo’s famous and quite rare cru: plush, full-bodied, dense, and rich with generous fruit to counter the masses of tannins, which are rounder and suppler than other cru's. Gabutti is an epic vineyard in Serralunga. Typically Serralunga shows darker fruits and more structure with black tea coming through. They often require more time than some of the Communes that produce more approachable wines. Well, this one has had more time and is now out to play. The secondary development is wonderful. Now entering the 3rd phase of its life the truffles and flowers dance above earth, leather, and the core of dark fruits. The tannins show their presence in the mid-palate, yet they are pliant and match the fruit nicely. 2010 was a bold year as a whole. Now, this is playful and every sniff yields something new. Anise, some woody herb, baking spice. The sweetness of aged wine lingers long on the palate! ( taken from an article by David Ridge, in a session at Wine Decoded HQ.)