It is common to classify the big names of Barolo by whether their winemaking is traditional or modern, but Sandrone like to think of themselves as bridging the gap. This is a first generation winery; in 1977 Luciano Sandrone bought a small patch of the Cannubi vineyard, and has been gradually adding to it ever since. He made his first wines in his parents` garage. From humble beginnings have come great things. The Sandrone Cannubi Boschis was one of the first Italian wines ever to get 100 Parker points, and remains Sandrone`s flagship bottling. But the blended Barolo Le Vigne is almost every bit as special - Luciano argues that in some vintages it is even better than his Cannubi Boschis. And then there is the Nebbiolo d`Alba Valmaggiore, a distinct exploration of terroir and Nebbiolo from Roero, tending towards a lighter but still structured style. (NT 29/09/16)