Brett happens

Langhe Nebbiolo 2014, Produttori del Barbaresco ($25.20, 11383617)
Rain and frequently cool temperatures made 2014 a difficult vintage in much of Europe, including Piedmont. Fortunately, the Barbaresco region was drier than nearby areas (receiving only half the rainfall of the Barolo appellation) and enjoyed good ripening conditions in the late summer and early fall. This 100% Nebbiolo is made from young vines, all of which are located within the Barbaresco DOC. Fermented with selected “Barolo” yeasts at 28ºC in stainless steel tanks. Macerated on the skins for 24 days. Matured six months in very large oak barrels. No fining, light filtering, minimal sulphur dioxide. 13.5% ABV. Quebec agent: oenopole.
Young but already beautiful nose: cherry fruit and wood, hints of sweet spice, tar, rose and forest floor. More voluptuous than the 2013 though still medium-bodied. The sweet, ripe fruit is tinged with dark, tarry flavours while wiry tannins and trenchant acidity provide a structure finer and more serious than in most $25 wines. Bitter chocolate and burnt licorice thread through the long, astringent (but not too) finish. Always good, this food-friendly wine excels in 2014 and is worth buying in quantity, as it will only improve with a couple of years’ aging.  (Buy again? Automatically.)

Previously on Brett happens:
– Transformer (the 2013 + recipe)
– Baby Barbaresco (the 2012)
– Striking gold at Orange Rouge (the 2012)
– Charcuteries + uve italiane (the 2011)
– We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming (the 2011)
– Tasting with Aldo Vacca
– Nebbiolo and quail (the 2010 + recipe)
– The Schwartza as miracle fruit (the 2009)