Azelia Barolo 2016

Introduction

Aroma and finesse with power and body at the same time. Sweet nose, with hints of cherry, black currant and licorice. Fruity tannins. A union of characters. Aged for two years in large casks.

94 Points – James Suckling This is an ultra-fine Barolo with cherries, spice, cedar and hints of dried flowers on the nose and palate. Its full-bodied, yet reserved, very caressing and fine-grained. A thoroughly beautiful young 2016. Drink or hold.

93 Points – Vinous Azelia’s 2016 Barolo is a blend of fruit from two parcels in Castiglione Falletto and five in Serralunga, with the character of Serralunga especially felt in the wine’s tannic grip and persistence. Iron, sage, mint, smoke and wild cherry give the Barolo striking aromatic nuance and complexity, all in the mid-weight style that is such a signature at this address. The purity of the fruit is just striking. Stated simply, this is a tremendous wine in its peer group.

93 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate Azelia’s classic 2016 Barolo shows a spicy or savory personality with accents of laurel leaf, eucalyptus and clove. Those are some of the high notes that hover over a core of dark fruit and dried blackberry. On the Nebbiolo scale, this wine takes us to a sultry side of the variety, with slightly more fruit weight, texture and pronounced black fruit. If you are choosing your Barolo according to a possible pasta or meat pairing, this would be the meat wine. Azelia’s classico Barolo is a blend of fruit from seven single vineyards, with 30% of the total from Castiglione Falletto and 70% from Serralunga d’Alba. A big portion comes from the Cerretta and Broglio sites, with 50-year-old vines.