Sandrone’s 2006 Barolo Le Vigne possesses awesome balance as intricately woven layers of aromas and flavors come together in the glass. The 2006 is an especially powerful Le Vigne boasting a solid core of floral, red fruits supported by firm yet elegant tannins. This, too, shows the considerable drive and focus that is the hallmark of the vintage. The wine’s overall balance is impeccable. Le Vigne is made from parcels in Vignane (Barolo), Conterni and Ceretta (Monforte) and Merli (Novello). The wines are aged separately for a year in 500-liter barrels. The final blend is assembled, after which the wine spends an additional year in oak prior to being bottled. (AG)

Bright deep ruby-red. Complex aromas of red cherry, blueberry and brown spices. Full-bodied and deep, with high but harmonious acidity giving focus to the red cherry, camphor and mineral flavors. Youthfully chewy yet smooth tannins stain the palate on the long, firm finish. Though the fruit is starting to show through, this vintage of Le Vigne maintains an air of austerity and strictness that will take years to shed. Forget about this beauty in your cellar for at least another ten years. (ST)

Love the nose on this, which delivers lots of perfumes of dried dark fruits and minerals. Full and very well-integrated, with super silky tannins and a long finish. Better than 2005. Still needs some time, check back after 2014.