Prunotto Barolo Bussia DOCG 2018
(Piedmont, Italy) - [VM 93] [DM 93] [JS 92] [WS 91] [WE 90]

Notes from the Winemaker:
Barolo Bussia DOCG comes from the splendid amphitheater-shaped vineyard in the Bussia Monforte d’Alba area. This historic wine was produced for the first time at Prunotto as a single vineyard wine in 1961. The balance and complexity of the Nebbiolo grapes are enhanced by the vineyard’s varied south to southwest exposure and the traditional aging in large barrels.

Vintage Notes:
The 2018 vintage was dominated by an extended winter season with plenty of rainfall reestablishing normal groundwater reserves that were depleted following 2017’s climatic trends.  Winter conditions persisted up until the beginning of March with lower-than-average temperatures that caused a delay in vine development. Spring and the first half of summer brought frequent rain showers and a generally cool climate. Halfway through July, temperatures rose and a long steady stretch of perfect weather followed suit, allowing grapes to slowly progress to uniform ripeness, although timing in each individual vineyard block varied. Harvesting began on October 5^th and was completed on October 10^th.

Harvest and Vinification:
Grapes were carefully selected, destemmed and crushed. Maceration on the skins lasted for approximately 8-10 days at a maximum temperature of 30 °C (86 °F). Malolactic fermentation was completed before the end of winter. The wine was aged for at least 18 months in oak barrels of varying capacities.

Tasting Notes:
Barolo Bussia is a vibrant ruby red color with garnet reflections. The nose delivers exceptional fruity, spicy, and floral aromas. The palate is intense with sweet silky tannins that lead to rich, persistent finish.

Ratings & Reviews

93 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2018 Barolo Bussia is suave, elegant and silky. Crushed. Flowers, spice, mint, cinnamon, sweet red cherry and anise all meld together beautifully in the glass. Light on its feet, with terrific depth, the 2018 has so much going on. Sweet floral top notes lift the finish nicely." – Antonio Galloni (Oct 2022)

93 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Prunotto is one of the most classic names of Barolo and Bussia. Today under Antinori management, the winemaking is more precise and slightly more modern in style. The must ferments at 26-28°C (relatively low for Barolo) and the wine then ages in large 32hL Slavonian and French oak and Acacia casks for 18 months. Dried cherry dominates the nose, enhanced by a rhubarb note combined with sweet cinnamon spice. The acid carries the fruit over the palate, with velvety-light and super-ripe tannins which give to the wine a particularly graceful style for a Bussia." – Aldo Fiordelli (Jan 2022)

92 Points - James Suckling:
"So perfumed and beautiful with sap, roses and plums on the nose, following through to a medium body with very fine tannins and a long, creamy-textured finish. Delicious to drink now, but will improve with age." (Jul 2022)

91 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Fragrant, boasting floral, berry, cherry, mown hay and eucalyptus flavors backed by an open profile. Firms up but remains compact and slim overall. Shows fine balance and length. Best from 2024 through 2038. 300 cases imported." – BS (Dec 2022)

90 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"Wild red berries, chalk and savory spices define the nose of this wine. The wine is firm and structured surrounded by a core of dried cherry, warm earth and clove, finishing with moderate acidity." – Jeff Porter (Mar 2023)