Just a classic – if quite hard to find – Barolo from the most “serious” Barolo zone, Serralunga.
As one commentator puts it:
Serralunga is the only village that is more Barolo than Barolo itself.
Barolo, the DOC, may get its name from Barolo, the village, but the essence of Barolo – its power, its structure, its nuance, its cherry fruit, its aromas – is found more in Serralunga than anywhere else.
This one earned 93 points from the Wine Review Online:
Although the Pico Maccario estate was only established in 1997, the Maccario family has been growing Nebbiolo grapes for generations. Their south-facing Barolo vineyard in Serralunga rests at a high elevation and on limestone and marl soils. The Maccario brothers vinify this wine in a traditional style, with 18 months of aging in large barrels plus another year in bottle before release. While it shows the classic balance of the harvest and the subtle spiciness of oak, the style of the Nebbiolo grape shows clearly. The nose is forward and complex with floral rose hints followed by layers of juicy cherry, red plum and raspberry fruits all underlain by elements of leather, sandalwood, tea leaf and spice. The flavors display delicate fruits enveloped by the classic, woodsy, leafy, forest floor character of fine Barolo. The wine continues to unfold on the palate, revealing new aspects as it opens. Delicious now, it can cellar well for another 20 years.
It was their top Barolo at $50.
Suckling 93, too:
Spicy and red-fruited on the nose with cocoa, licorice and tree bark undertones. Medium- to full-bodied. Tannins are firm but nicely integrated with a crunchy feeling to them. Chalky texture and bright acidity adds tension to the fruit. Flavorful, zesty finish. Try after 2025.
And the Austrian Falstaff:
Clear ruby red, slight brightening around the rim. On the nose ethereal-spicy hints, reminiscent of eucalyptus and tobacco, behind it delicate cherry fruit. On the palate more fruit and some marzipan, juicy, gripping tannins, vibrant acidity, persistent finish.
And outstanding for the Wine Enthusiast at $50:
This Barolo opens with aromas of ripe cherries, crushed raspberries, mint and wildflowers. Hints of sweet and savory spice waft out as the wine opens. Tart red wild berries burst on the palate, as medicinal herbs provide a counterpoint to the juicy fruit flavors. Notes of spiced tea, leather and roasted earth emerge on the firm and well-structured palate. Drink now–2035.
Tons of top Vivino reviews, but I love this one:
I understand now why Barolo is “the king of Italian wines.”
Only one other US store even offers this (if they can get it, which I doubt) – as a special order by the case only for $516. Wine.com sold out at $46.99, and others for even more (as Vivino attests).
Again, only 89 bottles up for grabs.
