Massolino Barolo Parussi 2015 750ml

Offering an impressive combination of power and finesse, this opens with aromas of black and brown spices, pipe tobacco and black-skinned berry. On the brooding palate, assertive but noble tannins accompany ripe Marasca cherry, licorice, cinnamon and brown pepper. Give it time to let the tannins unwind and to fully develop. Drink 2025–2035. (Cellar Selection)

This wine was not made in 2014, when this vineyard site in Castiglione Falletto was hit by not one but two violent hailstorms. Thankfully, the 2015 Barolo Parussi comes from a trouble-free growing season and has resulted in one of the best expressions of the cru made by Massolino thus far, with the first vintage produced in 2007. This site sees a unique soil profile, with sand that is much richer in organic materials compared to the estate's historic vineyard sites. The terrain enjoys two exposures because the vines are planted over the crest of a hill. Harvest comes later here, as well, because the growing cycle is slower and Parussi is one of the last parcels to show beautiful leaf color in the autumn. Thanks to all those extra variables, the winemaking team has a little more to play with in order to achieve complexity and integration. In our progression from least to most powerful single-vineyard wines tasted, this was the third wine in the lineup. Indeed, this wine offers more "grasso" or body weight and volume. Dark mineral tones make for an elegant finish. However, the tannins are very young and need more time to soften. This is your proverbial cellar wine.

Dark-berry, spice and dried-flower aromas that follow through to a full body, tight and integrated tannins and a long and vivid finish. Very compact and polished. One of the best Parussi I have tasted from here.

Focused and elegant, this red features a pure cherry core, accented by tar, spice, tobacco and iron flavors. Firms up on the finish, yet all the components are in the right place for a long future. Best from 2024 through 2045. 275 cases made, 100 cases imported.

The 2015 Barolo Parussi has a deeper profile of brushed leather, balsamic, and dried black cherry that is seamlessly integrated into the palate with cocoa and gripping tannins. The 2015 is fuller in body and broader shouldered than the 2017, though it will also be one to enjoy in several years time. Drink 2024-2046.

The 2015 Barolo Parussi is the most powerful and immediate of the Massolino 2015 Barolos. Dark cherry, plum, lavender, menthol, spice, tar and licorice fill out the wine's ample frame effortlessly. In this range, the Parussi is also the Barolo that most clearly shows the natural richness of the year, and it does so to great effect. Plush, sensual and inviting, the 2015 will drink well with minimal cellaring, although time in bottle will only help.

Color: Deep garnet red with bright hues which naturally evolve with age. Bouquet: Ethereal and enveloping with intense and persistent notes of sweet spices, sandalwood, tobacco and leather. Tasting Notes: Fine also for ageing. Its very long finish is typical of Barolos from Castiglione Falletto. It is best to decant and serve it at temperatures between 18-20°C (64°-68°F). Parussi is the first Barolo made from grapes grown outside Serralunga d’Alba, in another fantastic area: Castiglione Falletto. The traditional vinification and ageing processes, which are the same as those used for its “Barolo brothers” from Serralunga d’Alba, highlight the well-known capacity of Nebbiolo grapes to deliver Barolos with different fascinating characteristics reflecting the changes in the microclimate and soil the grapes were grown in. Perfect with the rich, traditional cuisine of the region, stewed meats and medium- long matured cheeses.