Margherita Otto Barolo 2019 (750ML)

95 JD / 93 VM

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

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