Batasiolo, Barolo DOCG (Piedmont, Italy) 2012

 In addition to making very fine single vineyard Baroli, Batasiolo makes this Riserva from grapes grown throughout the delimited Barolo region.  Indeed, some of the grapes that could have gone into their single vineyard bottlings are used in the Riserva to maintain consistency and quality.  This is a positively gorgeous Barolo that is just entering its period of drinkability, which is not surprising since most of the grapes came from vineyards within Serralunga, Batasolio home base.  Barolo from Serralunga, in contrast to those from La Morra or Barolo itself, are more structured and take longer to come around.  Still showing ripe fresh fruit flavors, mineral notes and tarry ones appear and complement the wines fruitiness.  The tannins are suave yet provide a firm structure.  It would be an excellent choice with hearty fare this fall and winter.