2016 Damilano Barolo Cannubi (750ml)

Nebbiolo from Barolo, Piedmont, Italy

B-21 Top Recommendation
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Widely acclaimed as one of the best vintages in 25 years, the breathtaking 2016 Barolo vintage “lives up to the hype” according to the Wine Enthusiast's Kerin O'Keefe, producing elegantly structured Nebbiolo wines with great richness and long-lived tannins. Taking advantage of our long-standing relationships in Piedmont, Barolo fans and collectors of bold Italian reds will want to secure a share of these highly rated, value priced 2016 Baroli, selecting a few favorites or mixing a case or two and reaping the benefits for years to come.

From perhaps the finest ‘garagiste’ in Piedmont, Mario Marengo’s long-lived 95 pt. 2016 Marengo Barolo offers “beautifully pure and brilliant fruit” according to the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner, calling it a “graceful expression” of Barolo worth seeking out. Vinous critic Antonio Galloni describes the elegant 93 pt. 2016 Prunotto as an “airy, finessed Barolo” crafted to enjoy now, while critic James Suckling calls the dazzling old vine 97 pt. 2016 Domenico Clerico Ciabot Mentin “very powerful with intensely rich tannins that show polish and strength” and Monica Larner describes the silky 96 pt. 2016 Elvio Cogno Barolo Cascina Nuova as “a terrific go-to Barolo” with “impeccable balance.” Called “one of the best Barolos I have tasted from Rocche Costamagna” by critic Galloni, the ready to enjoy 95 pt. 2016 Rocche Costamagna Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata “shows just how appealing this vintage is.” Among the smallest production gems in this selection, the outstanding 95 pt. 2016 Enzo Boglietti Brunate and 95 pt. 2016 Andrea Oberto Rocche dell'Annunziata are both richly structured, superlative Nebbiolos poised to reward patient cellaring priced at a fraction of higher profile producers. A pair of excellent wines from Luigi Baudana, the 95 pt. 2016 Barolo Baudana offers a bigger, lush fruit profile according to Monica Larner, while the 96 pt. 2016 Barolo Cerretta boasts the Cru’s signature minerality, both just approaching their decades’ long drinking windows. A powerful, long-lived Barolo that delivers exceptional value, the 98 pt. 2016 Damilano Barolo Cannubi “boasts muscular, imposing structure and power” according to critic James Suckling, and the artisan-crafted 94 pt. 2016 Elio Altare Barolo is “positively stunning” and ready to enjoy over the next decade. From a favorite B-21 producer, the profound 96 pt. 2016 Massolino Barolo Parussi is sourced from Castiglione Falletto, capturing all its “sensuality” according to critic Galloni and “firmly structured,” for over two decades of enjoyment according to the Wine Enthusiast’s Kerin O’Keefe. Owned by Luigi Scavino, cousin to Enrico Scavino of the more famous Paolo Scavino winery, critic Galloni describes Azelia’s Barolos as “spectacular,” both selections crafted from old vines, the elegant 95 pt. 2016 Margheria “showing the natural weight and gravitas of Serralunga” while the 94 pt. 2016 San Rocco is “deep, powerful and loaded with pedigree.” Finally, described as “positively stellar” and “captivating” by Galloni, the 97 pt. 2016 Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo Enrico VI is “full and complex with a gorgeous palate” according to James Suckling, already offering a glimpse of its bright future ahead.

From a top-rated vintage hailed by critics across the board, the 2016 Baroli are “truly spectacular, breathtaking wines” according to Vinous critic Antonio Galloni, describing them as capturing “all the pedigree that Nebbiolo and Barolo are capable of.” While each of these selections reflects their unique terroirs, these 2016 Barolo all share a lush density of elegant, fresh fruit, focused savory acidity and substantial tannic structure that make them all winning choices, some ready to enjoy now but all poised to evolve over the next decades – echoing the advice of James Suckling, “buy, drink and enjoy this marvelous vintage.”

98JS

97WA

The fruit feels so comfortable here, in the ripe-red zone; it ranges from cherry kernel to chocolate-coated red plums to glazed cherries. Integrated hints of bark and sandalwood. Full-bodied with strapping tannins and muscular, imposing structure and power. Notwithstanding, everything is in striking balance and delivered with remarkable precision and grit. Drink from 2026.

98 points, James Suckling (Sep 2020)

The Damilano 2016 Barolo Cannubi shows depth and a profound nature. This is the DNA of the Cannubi cru, maybe the most celebrated in the appellation with mildly compact, well-draining sandy soils (actually, a mix of 45% sand, 35% silt and 20% clay, to be precise). These conditions contribute to the dark concentration and the firm textural support found here. These assets are particularly apparent in this classic vintage. Dark fruit and dried cherry cede to earthy truffle and licorice. Of these various single-vineyard expressions, the tight tannins on this Cannubi definitely suggest a long drinking window. This wine is my favorite in this flight from Damilano, and this vintage of 40,000 bottles is distinguished by its sheer excellence.

97 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Jul 2020)

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$79.99

3 bottles in stock. Ships in 1 to 2 business days.

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