This bottle was included in last year’s Ukiki lucky bag. It now sells for a little over ¥3,000, though it was in the ¥2,000 range at the time of purchase. In the glass, it shows a fairly deep yet transparent garnet hue, with brickish tones at the rim. The nose suggests considerable development: red fruits, fig, undergrowth, dried leaves, cigar, withered rose, and forest floor. Although 2020 is not particularly old for a Barolo, both the color and aromas give a strangely advanced impression — even a sense that the wine may already be past its peak. On the palate, there is overripe fruit and rather कठ tannins, conveying Barolo typicity for better or worse. However, the body feels somewhat muddy and lacks vitality, which raises doubts about its aging potential. Opening it early doesn’t really solve the issue either, as the tannins are still harsh and make it difficult to drink at present. I doubt the wine will ever come into true balance. In fact, the already noticeable oxidative nuances suggest it may not have been handled with great care during distribution. I hadn’t expected too much from a budget lucky-bag bottle, but even so, this one was a bit disappointing.