Italian Wine Report – New Releases of Barolo, Brunello and the Best Wines and Producers of 2021

The Winter issue of my Italian Wine Report has recently been published, and this issue contains reviews of some of the most eagerly awaited wines of the year. These include new releases of Barolo from the 2018 vintage, as well as the 2016 Barolo riservas, as well as 2017 Brunello di Montalcino and the 2016 Brunello reserves. The riserva wines in both cases, are quite special, and I think some of these wines are spectacular.

Here is a brief excerpt from this issue:

Ratti (Annunziata, La Morra)

Barolo Marcenasco 2018

Pale young garnet; aromas of morel cherry, wild strawberry, red currant and cumin. Medium-full with very good concentration, good acidity, medium-weight, sleek tannins and good persistence. The finish is dominated by notes of brown spice. Nice varietal character, but a bit light on the palate. Give another 2-3 years to round out; peak in 8-10 years. (88)

Barolo Conca 2018

Pale young garnet; aromas of morel cherry, strawberry, oregano and a hint of tobacco. Medium-full with very good to excellent concentration; elegantly styled mid-palate and overall harmony. The oak notes are restrained and beautifully integrated, while medium-weight tannins and extremely well balanced, and there is very good acidity. Lovely sense of place and typicity, as well as varietal character. Give another 2-3 years to allow further complexities to emerge, with peak in 12-15 years. (93)

Barolo Rocche dell’Annunziata 2018

Pale young garnet; aromas of wild strawberry, thyme and red currant. Medium-full with very good to excellent concentration. Very good acidity, medium-full, well-balanced tannins, restrained wood notes and very good persistence. There are notes of balsamic, coriander and cardamom in the finish. Impressive typicity and sense of place; give 3-4 years to round out, with peak in 12-15 years. (94)

(Text ©Tom Hyland)

In this issue, I also have included my selections of the Best Italian Wines of the Year (2021) and the Best Italian Producers of the Year.

Italian Wine Report is published on a quarterly basis and is sent to subscribers via email in pdf format. Issues are between 50 and 70 pages in length.

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