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SKU 885174
$293.76/case
$48.96/bottle
Tariffs included
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In 2018 the estate didn’t make its cru-specific bottlings so the best grapes are in this straight Barolo. And it shows. It opens with heady scents of eucalyptus, pine forest, hay, new leather and lilac. Extremely elegant, the savory, vibrant palate exhibits red cherry, juniper berry and star anise set against taut, refined tannins and bright acidity. Drink 2024–2033. (Editors’ Choice)
The Nebbiolo grape varietal is widely understood to be the fruit responsible for Italy's finest aged wines. However, its popularity and reliability as a grape which gives out outstanding flavors and aromas has led it to be planted in many countries around the world, with much success. These purple grapes are distinguishable by the fact that they take on a milky dust as they begin to reach maturity, leading many to claim that this is the reason for their unusual name, which means 'fog' in Italian. Nebbiolo grapes produce wines which have a wide range of beautiful and fascinating flavors, the most common of which are rich, dark and complex, such as violet, truffle, tobacco and prunes. They are generally aged for many years to balance out their characteristics, as their natural tannin levels tend to be very high.
Country
Italy
There are few countries in the world with a viticultural history as long or as illustrious as that claimed by Italy. Grapes were first being grown and cultivated on Italian soil several thousand years ago by the Greeks and the Pheonicians, who named Italy 'Oenotria' – the land of wines – so impressed were they with the climate and the suitability of the soil for wine production. Of course, it was the rise of the Roman Empire which had the most lasting influence on wine production in Italy, and their influence can still be felt today, as much of the riches of the empire came about through their enthusiasm for producing wines and exporting it to neighbouring countries. Since those times, a vast amount of Italian land has remained primarily for vine cultivation, and thousands of wineries can be found throughout the entire length and breadth of this beautiful country, drenched in Mediterranean sunshine and benefiting from the excellent fertile soils found there. Italy remains very much a 'land of wines', and one could not imagine this country, its landscape and culture, without it.
Region
Piedmont
Situated in the north-western part of Italy, the region of Piedmont is known worldwide and is highly respected for the quality of the wines produced there. Many of the most successful sub-regions in Piedmont produce many of the world's finest red wines, such as those made from the excellent Nebbiolo grape varietal in areas such as Barolo and Barbaresco. However, the historic wineries which typify this region use a relatively wide variety of grapes, including Dolcetto and Barbera for their red wines, which are typically aged and have a delightful velvety character. Piedmont isn't all about beautifully complex red wines, though, as it is also famed for high quality, elegant sparkling wines, notably the Asti wines made with the white Moscato grape. The region benefits from a range of terroirs which are often well expressed in the sparkling wines, and a wonderfully consistent climate ideal for vineyard cultivation.
Appellation
Barolo
Barolo’s star grape is Nebbiolo, a finicky yet expressive variety that reaches its zenith this unique terroir. The region’s distinct microclimates and soils contribute to Nebbiolo’s complexity, resulting in wines with robust tannins, high acidity, and exceptional aging potential. Barolo wines, often referred to as “the king of wines,” are characterized by their deep garnet hue and complex bouquet, offering aromas of roses, tar, truffles, and red fruit. The aging process is significant, requiring at least 38 months, with a minimum of 18 months spent in wooden casks. This meticulous craftsmanship results in wines that evolve beautifully over time, displaying a harmonious balance of power and finesse. For wine enthusiasts, exploring Barolo provides a captivating journey into the rich tapestry of Italian winemaking, showcasing the profound marriage of tradition, terroir, and Nebbiolo’s distinctive expression.
WE96pts
Wine Enthusiast
In 2018 the estate didn't make its cru-specific bottlings so the best grapes are in this straight Barolo. And it shows. It opens with heady scents of eucalyptus, pine forest, hay, new leather and lilac. Extremely elegant, the savory, vibrant palate exhibits red cherry, juniper berry and star anise set against taut, refined tannins and bright acidity. Drink 2024–2033. (Editors’ Choice)
JS94pts
James Suckling
Pure, yet savory, with a stony, mineral punch to the orange peel, strawberries and dried herbs. I love the clarity and the tautness on the palate, with elegant but gutsy flavors of minerals and fruit, together with firm tannins that show Barolo etherealness and power at the same time. Already approachable. Drink now or hold.
DC94pts
Decanter
While at the village level in 2018 we seem to find more dilute wines, Massolino should be considered an exception because they produced just a village Barolo, a blend of all their MGAs, including Vigna Rionda. The wine shines for its bright ruby colour, meaty and tarry with a incredible depth of rhubarb and minerality. Open-knit with its wild strawberry and cherry fruits, it flows on the velvety palate, lean yet refined, with polished tannins and brilliant integrated acidity. The finish is all cherry kernel and liquorice root. With this 2018 the estate confirms its consistency.
WA93pts
Wine Advocate
The Massolino 2018 Barolo offers a classic interpretation of Serralunga d'Alba with big structure, ample but contained power and lots of black fruit and licorice. This 85,000-bottle production ages in large oak casks for 24 months, and this process further integrates the wine's pretty texture.
WS93pts
Wine Spectator
This red packs loads of floral, strawberry, cherry and white pepper aromas and flavors. Slim and fruity for the most part yet with a solid underlying structure. Austere for now on the finish, but well balanced overall. Best from 2025 through 2043. 7,080 cases made.
Winery Notes
Rated 93 - In 2018, the Massolino family made the big decision to declassify all of their cru. This is always a big financial decision but they felt they needed to do this to respect their customers so some of the cru wines will have gone into this 2018 Barolo. This 2018 Massolino Barolo has lots of gently creamy sweet spice like nutmeg, and floral, rose notes on the nose. It is medium-bodied and very approachable now, with elegant, sophisticated, very refined tannins. A very attractive wine - pretty, sophisticated, and harmonious. Wait one year and drink up to 15, at least. - The Wine Independent
VM92pts
Vinous Media
The 2018 Barolo is the only Barolo Massolino bottled in this vintage. Aromatically expressive and gracious, the 2018 offers lovely translucence in the mid-weight style of the year. Sweet dried cherry, mint, tobacco, spice, licorice and rose petal all open effortlessly in the glass. Naturally, the 2018 doesn't have the depth of the single vineyards or the best vintages, but it is an absolutely lovely wine to savor over the next 10-15
years.
