2005 Luigi Ferrando Carema (White Label)

2005 Luigi Ferrando Carema (White Label) 13.5%
100% Nebbiolo from the northernmost reaches of Piemonte, near the Val d'Aosta. Lighter ruby than your average Barolo/Barbaresco. Delicious Nebbiolo aromas of blackberries, tar and leather with a streak of iron and airplane glue. Clear and present acidity, medium grained tannins (that should benefit from polymerization), perfect acid/sweet balance, satisfying body. No discernible wood, alcohol civilized and well integrated. Drinking beautifully right now. In short, a thingamabob of yummy beauty. A fine way to recover our pleasure bearings after the last three days' frustrating foray into the land of Barberella. All I can say is: like minded palates of the world, unite; put your money on this bona fide honey.

PS: why anyone would want the more expensive oaked version of this, with a black label, is beyond me; though perhaps I should try it before objecting in principle.

[David M. Bueker]

You should try the black label. It's a delicious wine as well, though I prefer the white (which does see some oak - just very little).

I really liked this (I think Oswaldo gave me the bottle I tried!)

The black label can be an outstanding wine, and I don't think of it as especially oaky (or to be more exact it ages well and seems to absorb whatever oak there is). The 1990 was drinking very well at 15.