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SKU 964194
$575.70/case
$95.95/bottle
Tariffs included
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#64 TOP 100 WINES OF ITALY, 2022. This is so wonderfully perfumed with tangerine and strawberry aromas that rise out of the glass in a spectacular way. The palate is full, yet so fine-textured, with super-polished tannins and a finish that goes on for minutes. A sublime Barolo. Try after 2025, but already a joy to taste.
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.
JS97pts
James Suckling
#64 TOP 100 WINES OF ITALY, 2022. This is so wonderfully perfumed with tangerine and strawberry aromas that rise out of the glass in a spectacular way. The palate is full, yet so fine-textured, with super-polished tannins and a finish that goes on for minutes. A sublime Barolo. Try after 2025, but already a joy to taste.
WE97pts
Wine Enthusiast
Glossy, elegant and full bodied, this beauty opens with aromas of dark berry, menthol, wild rose and exotic spice. The delicious, finessed palate doles out mouthfuls of juicy red cherry, raspberry compote, vanilla and licorice framed in taut, fine-grained tannins. Vibrant acidity keeps it focused and lends youthful tension. Drink 2024-2046. (Editors' Choice)
WA96pts
Wine Advocate
From the first sip, you are made aware of the power and depth of this wine. At the top of the estate portfolio, the Renato Ratti 2016 Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata is the most structured and layered expression, with fruit from one of the flagship vineyards of La Morra. The power of the wine unfolds with dark fruit, cassis and crushed rock. I gave my sample ample aeration, and that made all the difference. I tasted menthol and balsam herb in a fluid and ever-changing exchange. The Conca shows more mineral definition, and the Rocche dell'Annunziata is all about power, depth and length.
WS95pts
Wine Spectator
Complex aromas and flavors of red berries, iron, tobacco, tar and licorice take on a saline element as this winds down on the lingering aftertaste. Starts out with plenty of personality, firming up in the end, with a juicy finish. Best from 2023 through 2042. 416 cases made, 150 cases imported.
DC95pts
Decanter
2016 was one of the very best vintages in recent memory for Barolo, with a harvest that took place around the 12th of October, among the latest in this decade; Ratti produced an exemplary offering of Rocche this vintage, with aromas of wild cherry, orange roses and a hint of tar, while there is precise acidity, excellent persistence and outstanding complexity. Tannins are medium-full and refined; a powerful Rocche structure for the long haul. Drinking Window 2030 - 2045.
VM94pts
Vinous Media
The 2016 Barolo Rocche dell’Annunziata is a classic Barolo from La Morra’s most famous site. Fresh flowers, pine, mint, crushed rocks and red berry fruit are all finely-knit. The Rocche is translucent and finessed, with notable energy and tons of palate presence, all in a more traditional style than has been the norm in recent years. There is some youthful austerity, but nothing a bit of time in bottle can’t soften.
Winery Notes
The Rocche dell’Annunziata vineyard is historically known as one of the most important of the Barolo zone. In his Barolo Chart, Renato Ratti had already underscored this by entering it in the 1st Category class. 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. A prestigious subzone engenders a Barolo that holds within suggestions of a radiant future. Warm, persistent, rich: in a word, sumptuous.
