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Fabulous Fabrizio

In this month's Decanter, an expert's choice of wines from Piemonte includes Fabrizio Battaglino's 2011 Roero Sergentin:

"Smooth and juicy. Hints of oaky spices and vanilla complement rich and cherry, tarry tannins and fresh herbal nuances. A serious wine that's still young." 90/100 (Ian d'Agata, Decanter)
The only issue I would take is that I have enjoyed a few bottles of this already so what does that say about me?

Since the review came out, I have undertaken a thorough review of my own, tasting the three vintages of Fabrizio's Roero Sergentin I have in stock. For me, this is a wine that has got better with every passing vintage: the 2011 is young but approachable and has all the hallmarks of a fine Nebbiolo. More in tune with Barolo than earlier vintages with some oak in support but the lovely Nebbiolo fruit dominant. Moderately tannic, this will be better still in another couple of years or so.

The 2010 is an altogether different wine with a fuller palate of blacker fruit. Less classic than 2011 but still a fabulous wine. Again, moderately tannic but the ripeness of the fruit helps to get past this. More please.

The 2009 is going through a difficult phase just now. Slightly sour notes are coming through; not as enjoyable as previous bottles have been. Inevitably the bottle was shelved so I will take another look today.

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