2024 Azienda Agricola Lalu Barolo Commune di Monforte d'Alba

Dark cherry, dried rose, violet, tobacco, iron-rich earth, and a deep mineral backbone from Monforte d'Alba's dense calcareous clay — firm but supple tannins, vibrant acidity well-preserved from the hot dry 2022 vintage, and a long authoritative finish that builds slowly and holds. The 2022 Lalù "Barolo del Comune di Monforte d'Alba" is organically farmed Nebbiolo from a parcel Lara and Luisa farmed in 2018 and 2019 and finally acquired in 2022 — 30–50 days total maceration, 24 months in Austrian oak, 3 months in concrete, no new wood, no shortcuts. Monforte d'Alba's dense soils produce Barolo that is more structured and powerful than La Morra, and 2022 — hot, dry, and concentrated — gave the wines extraordinary depth with acidity miraculously intact. Lara Rocchetti and Luisa Sala built this estate from the ground up after harvesting with Dominique Lafon and Cécile Tremblay, and every decision they make shows it. Cellar to 2030 or decant generously and open it tonight.