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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." |
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Of the four single-vineyard Baroli made by Massolino, the 2016 Barolo Parussi is the only one with fruit from Castiglione Falletto. This wine is elegant and tight, and it shows a superb level of Nebbiolo precision. That sharpness is built upon beautifully in a classic vintage such as 2016, and aromas of wild berry, earth, tobacco, licorice and dusty limestone come into startling focus. Parussi adopts a direct and linear approach with fine and polished tannins. In a portfolio that so closely monitors the taste profile of Serralunga d'Alba, this wine is the delightful outsider. They expect 6,800 bottles to hit the market in September 2020.
96 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Jul 2020)
The 2016 Barolo Parussi is the most overt and fruity of the 2016s. That is not a bad thing at all, as it gives the wine striking immediacy and mid-palate sweetness. Succulent red and purplish berry fruit, spice and mint come together in the glass. Silky, floral and medium in body, the Parussi captures all of the sensuality that is typical of the Barolos of Castiglione Falletto. Best of all, the Parussi will drink well earlier than the wines from Serralunga will.
95 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Feb 2020)
Plum, black cherry and floral notes are framed by cigar box, eucalyptus, tar and iron in this intense, smoldering red. Right now it's a struggle between the expressive fruit and muscular tannins, so give it a decade at least before pulling the cork. Best from 2025 through 2050.
95 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (Feb 2021)
Pipe-tobacco, scorched earth and underbrush aromas mingle with whiffs of camphor and dark-skinned berry on this full-bodied red. It's firmly structured, featuring raspberry compote and licorice flavors framed in assertive, close-grained tannins that grip the finish. Youthfully austere and tightly wound, it needs several more years to fully integrate. Drink 2026–2046.
95 points, Kerin O'Keefe, Wine Enthusiast (Sep 2020)
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