Barolo 2018
1
1 Giacomo Conterno, Francia, Serralunga d’Alba, Barolo 2018 98
One of the greatest crus of Serralunga, this shines for its deep mineral aroma with liquorice root, rhubarb, strawberry and macerated flowers. The attack is fleshy and tense, with long, lifted acidity pushing earthy strawberry and watermelon fruits. The tannins are ripe and velvety with the dustiness of Nebbiolo yet sweetness on the finish. It will go for at least a couple of decades. Drink 2022-2040 Alcohol 14.5%
2
2 GB Burlotto, Monvigliero, Verduno, Barolo 97
£706.67-£729 (ib) Crop & Vine, Cru, Ideal Wine Co, VinQuinn
Burlotto’s Monvigliero is an extremely detailed wine and shines for its elegance. After a slightly funky aroma at first, it opens up to reveal cinnamon, burnt orange zest, parma violets and earthy strawberry, which comes back on the palate with redcurrant and cinnamon. Crisp, full of concentration and almost silky, it’s an inviting drink even at this early stage. Drink 2022-2038 Alc 14.5%
Bartolo Mascarello, Barolo 96
Pure leafy lightness on the nose with an almost tangerine peel freshness, then liquorice root and pencil-lead minerality. Very restrained on the palate, it shows good concentration, with liquorice root, velvety tannins and crisp acidity balancing the higher alcohol. A bit chalky on the finish. Drink 2022-2038 Alc 15%
3
3 Giovanni Rosso, Ester Canale, Vigna Rionda, Serralunga d’Alba, Barolo 2018 96
Restrained and focused on extremely fresh aromas such as peony and redcurrant, rose and parma violets, the graceful character is balanced by tight pomegranate flavour, orange vibrancy and vermouth-like depth and complexity. The palate is more structured than supple, with an austere finish yet an amazing Earl Grey aftertaste. Drink 2022-2038 Alc 14%
Giuseppe Rinaldi, Brunate, Barolo 96
£308.75-£325.42 (ib) Cru, Ideal Wine Co, Wineye
Brunate’s southerly exposure seems to profit from the lighter 2018, expressing a ‘European’ style with its fiercely prominent structure over pulpy fruit. Bright garnet in the glass with a light, leafy, restrained nose of filigreed elegance, it shows aromas of cherry kernel, a slight bretty character, chalk and liquorice. The attack is firm and biting, with crisp
