Castiglione Falletto's iconic tower rising above the hills in Barolo

We have arrived at a golden era in Piedmont’s history. Global interest in the region has never been higher. Not only is there more thoughtful viticulture, the pool of talented and experienced winemakers has never been deeper. And now, 2016 continues Piedmont’s string of outstanding vintages and will take its place alongside ’13, ’10, and ’08 as the best of the past decade. Piedmont was blessed with a long, moderate, growing season and the necessary diurnal shifts that allowed Nebbiolo to ripen slowly to perfection with aromatic brilliance and impeccable balance. The quality of the wines across the board is exceptional - matched only by historic demand. Today we are proud to offer another serving of 2016 Baroli from top notch growers. Do not miss your chance to scoop some wines from this historic vintage. You will not be disappointed! Have a great weekend.  

The wines below are offered on a first come, first served basis. Follow the links below to purchase directly from our site or call/email us if you need some assistance.

Cheers,
  
THE WINES
 
Elvio Cogno - Barolo Cascina Nuova 2016
18 BOTTLES AVAILABLE 
$60.00/BOTTLE 
Elvio Cogno is a legendary wine maker who has led a storied career in Barolo, first at the Marcarini Winery beginning in the 1960’s and then with his own estate founded in Novello 1990 when he was 60 years old! Centered on a prime parcel in Ravera, Elvio Cogno was the first producer to understand the immense potential of this corner of Barolo and remains the largest holder of the cru with over 11 hectares under vine.  Joined by his son-in-law Walter Fissore in 1996, the Cogno winery continues to crank out topflight Barolo 30 years on. Cascina Nuova Barolo is drawn from young vines in the Ravera cru intentionally styled to offer more accessibility in its youth than the estates other bottlings. The wine is aromatic with appealing dark fruit flecked with notes of citrus and pressed flowers.  The palate is open knit with whispery tannins and fresh acidity; a remarkably inviting example of Ravera.  This is such a wonderful introduction to this great estate for those who haven’t tasted the wines; the 2016 Cascina Nuova drinks beautifully now but is sure to improve over the next 5-10 years.
Luigi Baudana - Barolo Del Commune di Serralunga d'Alba 2016
24 BOTTLES AVAILABLE 
$59.99/ BOTTLE 
After a successful career spanning 30 vintages, Luigi Baudana engaged the Vajra family to begin taking over his vines and cellar in 2009. The Vajras have already begun to invest in the property, converting the vineyards to organic agriculture, and fine tuning the wine making in Luigi’s cellar. As the years have progressed, their team has clearly gained more confidence with the terroir, embracing the inherent bold character found in Serralunga that is not present in their own estate vineyards. This wine is sourced from 5 plots spread throughout Serralunga, capturing the character of this singular commune. Plenty of ripe red cherry fruit leads out over nervy acidity and persistent tannins with a stony minerality coming through in the finish. In contrast to the reputation of Serralunga typical brooding and foreboding wines, this is quite supple now with a brief decant and is wonderful with richer foods. For those paitent enough to wait, this wine should be singing in the next few years.
G.D. Vajra - BArolo Coste di Rose 2016
8 BOTTLES AVILABLE 
$75.00/BOTTLE 

G.D. Vajra is a family-owned winery based in the Commune of Barolo that has was one of the first wineries to farm organically in the Langhe, adopting an organic regimen beginning in 1971. The work in the cellar relies on traditional techniques with extended submerged cap macerations and big botti elevage for all of their Barolo. The Coste di Rose single vineyard Barolo is the most recent addition to the Vajra lineup first produced in the 2015 vintage.  This parcel, located on the eastern flank of the commune of Barolo, is dominated by a steep slope of compact sandstone. Vajras holdings are on the crest of the hill facing to the east in a particularly cool aspect.  The 2016 Coste di Rose is quite aromatic and lifted with a very fine texture and wispy tannins. Remarkably accessible now, The Coste di Rose should continue to improve over the course of the next decade. Fermented in open top vats with 55 days of maceration, aged around 30 months in 25-50 HL botti.

Cascina Fontana - Barolo 2016
 
24+ BOTTLES AVAILABLE 
$75.00/BOTTLE 

Wine Arrives 5/21/21
Mario Fontana founded his estate in 1995 when he inherited 4 hectares of vines in La Morra and Castiglione Falletto.  Mario's family has deep roots in Barolo and his philosophy was greatly influenced by his grandfather's experience. The work in the vineyard has always been organic without certification and Mario prefers to work as naturally in the cellar as possible; that means no additives during fermentation and patient elevage in botti and cement vats. The 2016 Barolo is drawn largely from the from his holdings in La Morra and is a wonderfully aromatic Nebbiolo. Roses, red cherries, blood orange leap out of the glass with just a touch of allspice. The palate is slight chewy with young tannins but flaunts lifted acidity and finishes quite fresh.  You could certainly drink this now, but the wine should really come in to its own in 5-10 years. Fermented in stainless steel with native yeast, aged in 25-hectoliter botti for 2 years, blended and aged in cement for a further year before bottling.

Cascina Fontana - Barolo del Commune di Castiglione Falletto 2016
24+ BOTTLES AVAILABLE
$102.99/BOTTLE

Wine Arrives 5/21/21
In great vintages Mario has begun to bottle a Commune Barolo from his family's best holdings in Castiglione Falletto with fruit from Villero, Valletti, and Mariondino.  The 2016 bottling is extremely elegant and polished showing the characteristic balance the commune is known for. The nose shows deep fruit with hints of rosemary and earth while the palate packs firm tannins on a supple frame. Compact now, this bottling is built for the long haul and has a long aging arc ahead of it. Fermented in stainless steel with native yeast, aged in 25-hectoliter botti for 2 years, blended and aged in cement for a further year before bottling.