2017 Sebaste, Nebbiolo d’Alba, Parigi (RT89) An interesting bottling, this 100% Nebbiolo grown in vineyards located in villages in Alba and Diano d’Alba and aged in a combination of 400-liter tonneaux of 60% American and 40% French oak for 12-14 months. I don’t the level of macaroon I often associate with American oak aging, which is nice! Translucent ruby in hue with notes of light Morello (sour) cherry, ripe strawberry, raspberry and balsam lead to a delicious palate feel with tasty fresh fruit and a mid-length finish. A fine bottling in the low $20 price range. Drink now-2024+
2016 Sebaste, Barbera d’Alba Superiore, Centobricchi (RT91) From the same vineyards as the Parigi comes this Barbera, which is aged for 12-14 months in new French oak tonneaux. Here the quality of fruit shines through as its deep ruby hue leads to notes of black cherry, sous bois, anise and new leather. The palate is built on a firm layer of minerality as it delivers delicious fruit, tasty acidity and a lovely, softly tannic finish. This should be a nice mid-term age-worthy wine for under $30. Drink 2020-2030+
2015 Sebaste, Barolo, Trèsüri (RT92) Sourced from estate grown fruit from three excellent vineyards – – the Trèsüri Barolo is aged for three years in mostly 1600 liter French oak barrels with a small amount in 400 liter tonneaux. It reveals a deep garnet hue that reveals notes of mentholated cherry, balsam, rose petal and a hint of truffle. The mouthfeel is a thing of beauty, with lovely fruit, balance acidity and tannin and should age very well for the coming few decades. An exceptionally well-priced Barolo under $40. Drink 2025-2040+
2015 Sebaste, Barolo, Cerretta (RT94) Sourced from estate grown fruit from the exceptional Serralunga Cru Cerretta, this fabulous bottle is aged for three years in 1600 liter French oak barrels with a small amount in 400 liter tonneaux. While the hue here is similar to the Trèsüri, the aromatics are ramped up significantly with penetrating notes of mentholated cherry, cranberry, licorice, fresh rose petal. With time in the glass notes of goudron and violets emerge. The palate is exceptionally endowed with a firm balance of fruit, acidity and fine grained, ripe tannin. A real gem that runs in the $70-80 range and is worth every penny! Drink 2025-2045+