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Luciano Sandrone's daughter Barbara says she doesn't know how to make a "short" speech.  Surely enough for someone so long on her passion for art!

Interestingly, when she discusses the 8 vintages introduced that evening, she spoke at the greatest length about 2002.  "It's not an off-vintage."  Absolutely no blame on Mother Nature.  She just explained how they have done the best to craft the best possible wine.  A true servant of Nature.  As Francis Bacon aptly says: "Nature cannot be ordered about, except by obeying her."

The nicely produced booklet says: "The story of a dream come true.  Amidst passion and technology."  Every drop of Sandrone attests to this dictum.  Futile discussing "traditional" vs "modernist" approach.  I think they go for Perfection, no more and no less.  You can fault them only for this, as people complain that Heifetz never plays a wrong note. 

Highlight of the evening was a vertical tasting of 7 vintages of Le Vigne: 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 & 2004.

1999, 2001 and 2004 stand out as the most classical and most balanced.  1999 has the benefit of age, but 2004 is truly astounding, precocious like a Heifetz, and so Sandronely perfect.  Thanks Mother Nature!

The three most respected Barolo winemakers for Barbara:

1. Roberto Voerzio
2. Bruno Giacosa
3. Borgogno

She also likes Aldo Conterno.  Polite smile at the mention of Angelo Gaja.

Embarassing questions for Barbara:

• Do you keep up with what Robert Parker or James Suckling have to say about your wine?  Pause … err, they are good in getting the public know more about our wine … when James Suckling declared 2000 to be a perfect year for Piedmont, we were rather surprised …
• Do you drink Bordeaux? Pause … an embarassing shake of her head.  Well, that's why we need wine critics.