Massolino Barolo 2016 (750ML)

95 WS / 94 WA / 92 VM / 92 DE / 92 KO / 17++ JR

#7 Wine Spectator Top 100 2020

A stream of pure, juicy cherry fruit is at the heart of this red, along with mineral, tobacco and wild herb notes. Firm and tightly wound, with a matrix of dense, refined tannins for support. All the elements are in the right proportions, this just needs time. Best from 2023 through 2045. 5,800 cases made, 2,100 cases imported. — Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator

The classic Massolino 2016 Barolo sources its fruit from Serralunga d'Alba, although a tiny percentage of Castiglione Falletto is part of the blend. This wine is linear and tight, with an arsenal of important Nebbiolo aromas ranging from red cherry and cassis to spice, smoke, licorice, dried ginger, rusty nail and blood orange. What really stands out is the structural importance of the wine. It delivers firmness and strength, while allowing the delicate side of the grape to coexist without interference. An ample 70,000 bottles of this well-priced Barolo were produced.-Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate

Massolino's 2016 Barolo is a gorgeous wine that brings together all the best qualities of the year. Bright and pliant, yet with terrific structural intensity, the 2016 is a wonderfully complete, harmonious Barolo that will delight readers for the next 15 to 20 years. Dark cherry, plum, lavender, spice, menthol and licorice add striking shades of nuance. Massolino's straight Barolo is a fabulous wine in its peer group. Vineyard sources include Briccolina, Collareto, Brolio and Le Turne.-Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

Located directly in the village of Serralunga d’Alba, the Massolino estate blends its classic Barolo from five diverse plots throughout the township as well as one in the neighbouring Castiglione Falletto. A fascinating mix of tar, wild broom, exotic spice and irony notes weave through this wine from start to finish. Assertive, ripe tannins wrap around palate which is full and concentrated yet well-proportioned. There is superb underlying juiciness here. - Michaela Morris, Decanter

Red berry, ground clove and rose petal aromas appear in the glass. On the linear, elegantly structured, palate, white pepper, star anise and orange zest notes accent a Marasca cherry core while firm, fine-grained tannins provide support. It’s balanced, with fresh acidity. Drink 2024–2031.-Kerin O'Keefe