Massolino Barolo DOCG 2016
(Piedmont, Italy) - [WS 95 & #7 of 2020] [WA 94] [VM 92] [WE 92]
Regular price $100.00 Sale price $79.97 Save $20.03
"This family-owned winery, founded in 1896, is run today by fourth-generation brothers Franco and Roberto Massolino. Located in the heart of the village of Serralunga d'Alba, the 100-acre estate is known for its single-vineyard Barolos from Margheria, Parafada, Parussi and Vigna Rionda, yet it's their classic-style Barolo from the excellent 2016 vintage that earns a spot on our list for its quality and value. A blend of Nebbiolo from parcels in Briccolina, Le Turne, Collaretto, Broglio and Damiano in Serralunga, with 5 percent from Parussi in Castiglione Falletto, the wine aged 29 months in 5,000-liter Slavonian oak casks." - Wine Spectator
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Garnet red color with variable intensity depending on the vintage.
Nose: The grapes come from different subzones in Serralunga and this gives them a broad and variable spectrum of perfumes, ranging from tempting spicy notes to those of a sweeter, floral and fruity nature.
Flavor: a variety of sensations, with a full-bodied, classic and well structured wine which ages well and perfectly represents the important character of our land. It is best to decant and serve it at temperatures between 18-20°C.
Ratings & Reviews
95 Points & #7 TOP 100 OF 2020 - Wine Spectator Magazine:
"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. 2,100 cases imported." - Bruce Sanderson (November 30, 2020)
94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"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 (July 2020)
92 Points - Antonio Galloni, Vinous:
"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." (February 2020)
92 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"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. 2,100 cases imported." - Bruce Sanderson (November 30, 2020)
94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"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 (July 2020)
92 Points - Antonio Galloni, Vinous:
"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." (February 2020)
92 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"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." - KK (9/1/2020)