Tasting Notes
Vinous 97
Tasted from magnum, the 1996 Barolo is absolutely stunning. Vibrant and wonderfully alive, the 1996 exudes class. Time has gently softened the 1996 tannins, rendering the 1996 super-expressive today. Balsamic, mentholated notes, along with scents of tobacco and dried stone fruit continue to open up with time in the glass. The 1996 is still firm and quite powerful, but not as austere as many wines are in this vintage. Tar, licorice and scorched earth add the closing shades of nuance in an impeccably balanced, vivid Barolo that captures the personality of the vintage at its best.
Anticipated maturity: 2016-2036
Robert Parker 88
The 1996 Barolo reveals surprisingly high acidity in its relatively backward, tannic profile. It was closed and tough-textured when I saw it, with sour cherry, dried nut and kirsch liqueur. The wine did not develop in the glass, remaining austere and compressed. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2014. Importers: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200 and Riservati, Seattle, WA; tel. (206) 623-5758
Anticipated maturity: 2003-2014
