Edizione Limitata Numerata Numero 4 Cerviano-Merli 2017

It’s not often that a winemaker in Barolo—home to the finest reds in northern Italy’s Piedmont region—offers such a remarkable deal. But since our Italian wine expert, Leo Bassano, is friends with the winemaker in question, you get access to her fine 93-point Barolo at a friends-only price.

Leo’s friend belongs to one of Barolo’s most famous families. For over 100 years, they’ve run a winery in the tiny Cerviano-Merli Cru in Novello, one of the region’s top communes. The winery sits on the revered hill of Cannubi—and only thin fencing separates their vineyards from those of Vajra and Luciano Sandrone (whose iconic Barolos will cost you $80-250).

Since the family needed to clear space in their cellar, they offered Leo a fantastic price on their beautiful 2017 release. The only conditions? He had to skip the lengthy paperwork for official Cru classification and promise to keep their (very prestigious) name a secret. One sip of the wine, and he heartily agreed.

Leo wrote: “Aromas of vibrant red cherry and subtle flowers. The fruit flavors are intense with a rich concentration and elegant balance. It’s everything fans look for in Cru Barolo. Delicious now and even better over the next ten years. Plus, it has 93 points from The Wine Advocate and James Suckling!”

The family only had 300 cases to share with us, and most of them sold during our special presale. So, you’ll have to be quick to claim your case.