Margherita Otto Barolo 2019 (750ML)

95 KO / 95 JD / 94 DE / 93 VM / 93 WS

One of the Langhe’s up and coming estates, Margherita Otto is owned by American Alan Manly who learned the craft of winemaking from luminaries including Luciano Sandrone, Maria Teresa Mascarello, Elio Altare, Giuseppe and Alfio Cavallotto; all wineries where he gained first-hand experience before founding his own winery in 2015. Margherita Otto’s 2019 Barolo is classic, offering aromas of woodland berry, camphor, rose and underbrush while the elegant palate delivers ripe red cherry, blood orange and licorice before closing on a mineral note recalling rusty nail. Taut, refined tannins and vibrant acidity provide seamless support and impeccable balance. All about extreme finesse and precision, it also promises great aging potential so give it time to fully develop. Drink 2028–2044. Abv: 14% Kerin O’Keefe

The upcoming spring release, the 2019 Barolo leads into the red-fruited range of the spectrum, with notes of red cherry, leather, and cedar. The wine has medium body and has fantastic structure, with an attractive floral perfume that lingers through the finish. Though there is a consistent stylistic arch of fruit through the mid-palate, it propels forward with notes of dried apricot, mixed berries, and pressed flowers. Refreshing and balanced, with good concentration, this is an impressive effort. Drink 2025-2045.-Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck

Assembled directly after harvest and bringing together fruit from Pernanno (Castiglione Falletto) and Vignane (Barolo) with a smattering from Serralunga at the base of Vignarionda. Fermented in cement with indigenous yeasts and ageing in French oak casks. Tobacco scents give way to iron-like minerals. Stylishly midweight, this unfurls across the palate with depth and detail. Long, suede-like tannins have a satisfying and refreshing crunch. Amaro herbs, alpine flowers and rhubarb make for a perfumed, hunger-inducing finish.-Michaela Morris, Decanter

The 2019 Barolo is a very pretty wine loaded with complexity. Macerated cherry, dried herbs, mint, sage and orange peel lend notable aromatic presence. There's terrific depth here. At the same time the aromas are a bit forward, so I would prefer to drink this on the early side. The only question mark for me is time in wood, which at 32 months is on the longer side by present day standards. "At my age, I don't have a ton of time to wait for the wines!" Alan Manley told me. Fair enough. The 2019 is the best wine Manley has made since setting up shop a few years ago. Even so, there seems to be even more potential to realize here.-Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

This Barolo leans to the spicy side, with hints of sandalwood, white pepper and cumin highlighting its cherry and berry fruit. Menthol and mineral elements add detail as this unwinds on the long aftertaste. Elegant and balanced, finishing firm and dry. Best from 2025 through 2038. 900 cases made.-Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator