Renato Ratti Rocche dell'Annunziata Barolo DOCG 2019
(Piedmont, Italy) 750mL - [WE 97] [JS 97] [WA 96] [JD 95+] [DM 94] [WS 93]
Regular price $175.00 Sale price $159.97 Save $15.03
About the Winery:
With a history that dates back to the 1960s, Renato Ratti has long been an innovator of Barolos in the Piedmont region, where he developed new techniques for Italian wines such as in-bottle refinement. Active in writing the rules and regulations for Alba which include the coveted DOCG label, Renato Ratti was one of the prime movers in bringing the wines of Piedmont and Italy to international prominence. Today the reins rest in the hands of his son Pietro and his nephew Massimo Martinelli.
About this wine:
The Rocche dell’Annunziata vineyard is historically known as one of the most important of the Barolo zone. Situated at about 300 meters above sea level and with a South-East exposure, it extends over roughly 1 hectare. Rich with typical blue marl interspersed between veins of sand, the earth confers an extraordinary elegance and depth, united with fine and persistent scents of roses and licorice.Ratings & Reviews:
97 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"The stunning wine opens with a mix of tart red and blue berries, rose and sweet and savory spices that evolve into more savory and earthy notes. The palate is refined, framing the cherry-driven sip with tobacco and wild herb flavors to near unison. It's sublime on the finish, with vibrant acidity and fine tannins that will give the wine life for years to come." - Jeff Porter (Sep 2023)
97 Points - James Suckling:
"Lots of dried flowers here give a perfumed nature to it with berries and citrus. Hibiscus water, too. Full-bodied and chewy with lots of tannins and vivid acidity. Subtle plum and strawberry character. Muscular and formed. This needs time. Try after 2028." (Jun 2023)
96 Points - Wine Advocate:
"Pietro Ratti's 2019 Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata opens to a delineated bouquet with a mineral note or iodine that dovetails into purple berry fruit and lots of dried red rose and crushed flower. That evident floral imprint is something I often find in the wines that come from this side of La Morra in the south-facing ridge of vines in Rocche dell'Annunziata. With more time in the glass, the mineral note pushes to the forefront of this elegantly contoured mid-weight Barolo. The wine is powerful and tight but beautifully fragrant at the same time. Production is 6,000 bottles." - Monica Larner (Aug 2023)
95+ Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"The 2019 Barolo Rocche Dell'Annunziata is spectacular. Aged for two years in 25-hectoliter Slavonian barrels, it is flush with woven aromas of licorice, raspberry liqueur, pressed roses, and crushed stones. Full-bodied, with a weightless feel, fine-grained tannins, and fresh acidity, it offers a seamless arch through the mid-palate, without any harsh edges, and is packed with ripe red cherry, cedar, black tea, and dried flowers. Drink 2025-2045." (May 2023)
94 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Ratti’s signature Barolo from this famed site near the winery is an unqualified success from the 2018 vintage. Wild strawberry, thyme and redcurrant aromas are representative of this site, along with notes of coriander and cardamom; a hint of balsamic emerges in the finish as well. The 2018 vintage for Barolo offered more supple, somewhat Burgundian in style than usual; this is a splendid combination of that appeal combined with an excellent sense of place." - Tom Hyland (Nov 2022)
93 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Austere, this red shows cherry, eucalyptus, earth and mineral flavors backed by stiff tannins. Reveals a kernel of fruit at the core and substantial texture and length, so give this time. Features firm grip on the finish. Best from 2026 through 2045. 121 cases imported." - BS (Oct 2023)