The 2017 Barolo San Giovanni has more concentration of aromas with pine, licorice, and raspberry leather. Likewise, the palate has more depth of structure, with firm tannins and a core of cherry fruit and turned earth. Drink 2023-2036. Located in Monforte d’Alba, Gianfranco Alessandria has 5.5 hectares of vineyards and rents an additional hectare. They practice short fermentation and maceration in temperature controlled stainless steel, and aging is carried out in small French oak barrels.

A release of 5,000 bottles, the Gianfranco Alessandria 2017 Barolo San Giovanni shows another side of the house style, greeting you with a bigger personality and broader shoulders. The wine carries its weight well, with ample fruit, spice, tar, smoke and lingering touches of crushed stone or rusty nail. The oak signature is slightly more impressed or embossed over the bouquet, but this expression finds good unity on the palate. The 2017 vintage has tougher tannins all around, but even these are woven successfully into the greater fiber of this cru from Monforte d'Alba. This will be a great Barolo to taste on its own or with a prestigious cut of steak.