Wine Advisor
Roberto Voerzio, Barolo Cerequio 2009
View analysis
Description
Roberto Voerzio, Barolo, Cerequio, Piedmont, Italy, Still, Red, 1996
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Monica Larner
In theme with the qualities of this vineyard cru, the 2009 Barolo Cerequio shows increased weight and structure. The wine is in no way heavy or flat. In fact, it feels infused with remarkable energy and zest. Black fruit, pipe tobacco, licorice and dried mint find perfect integration. In the mouth, the wine’s sheer power has been wrapped within a cloak of silky tannins. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2035. The wines of Roberto and Davide Voerzio offer a fitting conclusion to this tasting of Piedmont’s best red wines. These are stunning wines that capture, head on, the beauty of the 2009 vintage. They remind us of the dazzling heights achieved by the Nebbiolo grape. Importer: Winebow, Pinebrook, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620
Reviewed by: James Suckling
Blueberry, cocoa with hints of spice and cedar aromas. Full body, with firm yet polished tannins and a chili pepper, berry and plum character. Needs three or four years to soften. Cerequio made consistently balanced wines in 2009.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2009 Barolo Cerequio is unusually rich and powerful it this vintage. A wine of breadth, expansiveness, and volume, the 2009 boasts stunning depth and resonance from start to finish. The aromas and flavors remain pure and beautifully articulated throughout. The 2009 isn't quite as pure or vivid as the greatest Cerequios, but it is very close, and undoubtedly quite fine when taken on its own terms. A rich, totally intense finish rounds things out in style. Voerzio's 2009 Cerequio is shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintage.
About the Producer
Based in La Morra, Roberto started in 1986 with just a few hectares and the goal of producing the finest Barolo in the region. His viticulture is characterized by high density plantings and extremely low yields (750g /vine). The techniques he meticulously applies in the vineyards of pruning, green harvesting and bunch-thinning leave the fruit riper and more concentrated in flavors and sugars while maintaining a balanced acidity. The Voerzio vineyards are located in the finest Crus of Barolo: La Serra, Brunate, Cerequio, Sarmassa, Rocche del’Annunziata and Fossati, with complimentary vineyards of Dolcetto, Barbera and Nebbiolo all in the commune of La Morra. 20 hectares in total are farmed, all organically. In the winery, he is considered a classic ‘modernist’, with short fermentation on the skins, not exceeding one month. With the help of his son Davide in the cellar, the wines are aged in French oak barrique and botti, the Barolo for at least 2 years. Voerzio’s perfectionist approach in the vineyards, combined with his unrelenting quality of production and engagement in sustainable practices make his wines legendary, and are widely considered to constitute the superlative expression in the category.
