The 2014 Luciano Sandrone Barolo Aleste Sibi et Paucis is a Nebbiolo from the renowned Piedmont region of Italy, specifically Barolo. This wine is part of Sandrone's late-release program and has been noted for its impressive development over time. The 2014 vintage, initially controversial, has surpassed expectations, showcasing the complexity and depth that Nebbiolo is known for.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this wine a score of 95, highlighting its “tertiary notes” and a “hint of underbrush” that complement flavors of “candied cherry, earthy licorice root and orange zest”, with Monica Larner noting the presence of savory spices and cured leather.
James Suckling gave it an even higher score of 96, describing the wine's “garnet tinge to the extremely vivid ruby color” and its aromatic profile of “prunes, cherry pits, leather, tar, earthy minerality and licorice.” Suckling praised its full-bodied nature, grainy tannins, and the balanced interplay of fruit concentration and acidity, calling it an “amazing example of the 2014 vintage.”
Vinous, with a score of 93, recognized the wine's “notable freshness” and sculpted body, while also pointing out its “aggressiveness in its tannins” and a finish deemed “a bit abrupt.” Antonio Galloni highlighted the bright acids and savory nuances that define this wine's character.
Wine Spectator also scored it 93, noting the wine's “maturing aromas and flavors of fading plum, cherry, leather and woodsy underbrush.” Their review mentions a firm and dense structure with tannins that promise longevity, suggesting the wine will be best enjoyed from 2026 through 2043.
Overall, the 2014 Luciano Sandrone Barolo Aleste Sibi et Paucis is a well-regarded wine that exemplifies the potential of the vintage, offering complexity and aging potential.