New release - 2016 Barolo
Fratelli Alessandria & Diego Conterno
A gradual growing season started with a cold winter, but little snow and whilst the frost was hitting Burgundy March and April was dry and cold in the Langhe. May gave the vines some warmth and temperature rose gently plotting a gradual curve. Whilst the summer of 2015 was dry and hot, 2016 continued to be relatively cool with the grapes producing thicker skins. September welcomed warmer weather and the fruit was allowed to ripen beautifully through to mid-October.
2016 is a beautifully classical year for Barolo, Maria-Teresa Mascarello called 2016 a vintage of yesteryear. The wines are concentrated with superb bright fruit. They will require time in the cellar but will be beguiling when mature.
Diego Conterno & Fratelli Alessandria are two growers who are making waves in the Barolo market. These are the best scores we have seen from Antonio Galloni and with pricing still very reasonable these are must buys for any Barolo drinker!
Fratelli Alessandria
2016 Barolo
£187 per 6 IB
90-93 Points (Antonio Galloni, Vinous)
The 2016 Barolo is a fabulous wine in its peer group - in any peer group, actually. Bright, floral and light on its feet, the 2016 impresses with its total sense of finesse and grace. Crushed flowers, sweet red berries, mint, white pepper and anise are all very nicely lifted in a precise, gracious Barolo that hits all the right notes. The 2016 is just flat-out delicious - that's all there is to it.
2016 Barolo Gramolere
£300 per 6 IB
93-96 Points, (Antonio Galloni, Vinous)
The 2016 Barolo Gramolere is another super-classic Barolo from Fratelli Alessandria. Searing in its intensity, the 2016 is endowed with tremendous energy and pure cut. Black cherry, lavender, mint, anise and crushed rocks infuse the 2016 with striking layers of complexity and nuance. It, too, is likely to require a number of years to be at its best.
2016 Barolo Monvigliero
£350 per 6 IB
94-97 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous)
The 2016 Barolo Monvigliero is a real powerhouse. Rich and structured on the palate, the 2016 is likely to require a number of years to be at its best. Beams of tannin and bright acids give the 2016 a feeling of energy and vibrancy that is palpable. Bright red cherry, blood orange, mint and white pepper give the 2016 a brilliant top register. I can't wait to taste it from bottle.
Diego Conterno
2016 Barolo
£160 per 6 IB
90-93 Points (Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media)
The 2016 Barolo is absolutely gorgeous. Dark cherry, red plum, mint, spice and licorice infuse this transparent, gracious Barolo with striking nuance and complexity. Medium in body and gracious, this deceptively mid-weight Barolo is endowed with superb pedigree. The 2016 spent 20 to 25 days on the skins and 24 months in oak - mostly cask and some tonneau. Vineyard sites are San Giovanni, San Pietro and a dollop of Ginestra, all in Monforte. This is a magnificent wine in its peer group - in any peer group, actually. Quite frankly, today it is my favorite wine in the range, especially for its inner perfume, sweetness and gorgeous fruit. But, it is also a wine in cement and has not been bottled yet, so that could explain a lot.
2016 Barolo del commune di Monforte d'Alba
£190 per 6 IB
92 Points (Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media)
The 2016 Barolo del Comune di Monforte d'Alba is a very pretty, if somewhat nervous, tightly wound wine. Sweet floral notes, red cherry, kirsch, mint, chalk and blood orange give the 2016 striking aromatic brilliance. As attractive as the 2016 is, it is also a bit slender today, especially on the mid-palate. It will be interesting to see if it gains a bit more body in bottle. Even so, it is such a pretty wine that shows classic inner sweetness, with notes of red fruit, mint and blood orange. The blend is 60% Gris and 40% Pajana.