Piedmont Shines with Releases, Especially Barolo 2016

You are going to find some great bottles right now if a trip to a wine shop, or a visit online, means buying wine from Italy’s Piedmont region. First, plenty of new and classic quality 2016 Barolos and Barbarescos are now available and they are reminiscent of the excellent and well-structured 2010s, which some say is one of the best vintages ever. In addition, the hot and dry weather in 2017 made some wonderfully rich and opulent barberas that are exciting to drink due to all their exuberant fruit and ripe tannins. Plus, an array of other wines is available from bright and fruity whites such arneis and chardonnay to lightly sweet and fruity moscatos as well as dolcettos and blends.

Conterno Fantino Reviews

Conterno Fantino Barolo Ginestra “Sorì Ginestra” DOCG 2016

96, Points

“Very ripe strawberries with hints of dried flowers and incense on the nose. Some lilacs, too. A full-bodied Barolo, yet it’s tight and very well formed with precision and texture. Beautiful combination of ripe fruit and tannins. Drink after 2022.” – James Suckling, Aug. 2020

Conterno Fantino Barolo Ginestra “Vigna Del Gris” DOCG 2016

95, Points

“Extremely perfumed with ripe strawberries and hints of dried flowers. Hints of hazelnuts. It’s full-bodied with a solid core of ripe fruit and ripe, polished tannins. Tight center palate. Very persistent. This is reserved now, but shows beautiful potential. Try after 2023.” – James Suckling, Aug. 2020

Conterno Fantino Barolo Mosconi “Vigna Ped” DOCG 2016

93, Points

“Very subtle and refined, yet there’s a line of fine-grained tannins running through the center palate. It’s medium-bodied, racy and beautiful. Needs two or three years to open. Better after 2022.” – James Suckling, Aug. 2020

Conterno Fantino Barolo Castelletto “Vigna Pressenda” DOCG 2016

94, Points

“This shows density and polish with lots of chewy tannins, which are medium-grained and give the wine form. Pretty ripe fruit in the center palate. Needs two or three years to come together. Better after 2022.” – James Suckling, Aug. 2020

Ca’ Rome Reviews

Ca’ Rome Barbaresco “Maria Di Brun” DOCG 2016

96, Points

“A very intense Barbaresco with super depth and intensity. Lots of ripe berries, chocolate, hazelnuts and smoked meat. Full-bodied, layered and powerful. Drink from 2023 and onwards.” – James Suckling, Aug. 2020

Ca’ Rome Barbaresco “Söri Rio Sordo” DOCG 2017

93, Points

“A firm, silky red with blackberries, dark chocolate, spice and hints of walnuts. It’s full-bodied and tight. Give it time to open. Fresh and tight for the vintage. Better after 2022.” – James Suckling, Aug. 2020

Ca’ Rome Barbaresco “Chiaramanti” DOCG 2017

94, Points

“Lots of purple fruit with minerals and spices. Full-bodied, chewy and fresh. It’s rich, but there’s some balance and intensity. Dark-fruit flavors. Tight. Lots of stone and intense fruit at the finish. Drink after 2023.” – James Suckling, Aug. 2020

Ca’ Rome Barolo “Cerretta” DOCG 2016

93, Points

“A tight, firm red with aromas of strawberries, smoky oak and walnuts that follow through to a full body, creamy tannins and a fruity finish. Drink in 2022.” – James Suckling, Aug. 2020

Ca’ Rome Barolo “Rapet” Gold Label DOCG 2016

93, Points

“This is a very powerful Barolo with lots of tar and berry character. Hazelnuts and walnuts, too. It’s full-bodied, layered and rich. Drink in 2022.” – James Suckling, Aug. 2020

Einaudi Reviews

Einaudi Barolo “Cannubi” DOCG 2016

96, Points

“Wow. This is real Cannubi, offering sliced ripe strawberries and dried flowers, such as roses, as well as crushed raspberries. It’s full-bodied, yet very tight and reserved. Stealth is a word that comes to mind. Love it. Best in a long time. Drinkable now, but better after 2023.” – James Suckling, Aug. 2020

Einaudi Barolo “Bussia” DOCG 2016

94, Points

“The purity of fruit is impressive here with dried strawberries and raspberries with hints of dried flowers. It’s medium-to full-bodied, racy and polished. Drinkable now, but a few years will make it even better. Try in 2023 and onwards.” – James Suckling, Aug. 2020

Einaudi Barolo Terlo “Vigna Costa Grimaldi” DOCG 2016

94, Points

“A ripe, layered Barolo with lots of dried strawberry, blueberry and floral aromas and flavors. It’s a rather more flamboyant red for this producer. Drinkable now, but better after 2023.” – James Suckling, Aug. 2020

Marcarini

Marcarini Barolo “La Serra” DOCG 2016

97, Points

“A Barolo with such intense, fine-grained tannins, yet it’s so deep and poised with polish and energy. Full-bodied, yet it remains agile and layered. Strawberries, bark, hazelnuts and hints of rose petals. Give this four or five years in the bottle, at least. But a classic wine.” – James Suckling, Aug. 2020

Marcarini Barolo del Comune di La Morra DOCG 2016

95, Points

“A together Barolo with a full body, tight and refined tannins and long, flavorful finish. Intense and polished. Strawberry, walnut and hazelnut character. Needs time to come around. Try after 2023.” – James Suckling, Aug. 2020

Marcarini Barbera d’Alba “Ciabot Camerano” DOC 2018

91, Points

“A linear, fresher style of barbera with crushed-berry and orange-peel character. Medium body. Fruity finish. Bright and leaner style, but delicious. Drink now.” – James Suckling, Aug. 2020

Marcarini Dolcetto d’Alba “Boschi di Berri” DOC 2018

91, Points

“A rich, flavorful dolcetto with ripe-cherry and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Medium body. Light, polished tannins give the wine a creamy texture. Drink now.” – James Suckling, Aug. 2020

Marcarini Nebbiolo delle Langhe “Lasarin” DOC 2018

91, Points

“A firm, silky nebbiolo with strawberries, light toffee and bark. It’s medium-bodied with pretty fruit and a linear, flavorful finish. Drink now.” – James Suckling, Aug. 2020

By James Suckling

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