2016 Barolo

There is no doubt about it – the excitement about the 2016 Barolo vintage that was already buzzing last summer when we visited Piedmont has gone off with a bang. Antonio Galloni has declared that for many growers “the 2016s are not just epic” but “career-defining wines”. Buyers are clamoring for sought after releases, including a record number of 100-point wines, whilst today we are thrilled to offer what is likely to be one of the best value releases of all. Giacomo Grimaldi’s 2016 Barolo is a perfect example of the “extraordinary balance and harmony” of the vintage and at £20 a bottle in bond this is one that we would stock up on. When we visited his estate in Barolo last summer, Ferruccio Grimaldi himself – an ex-policeman with a cool, calm exterior – could not contain his excitement. Over 25 years, he has patiently and quietly but impressively expanded his estate from the 1.5 hectares his father inherited when grapes were universally sold to the local cooperative, to the current 16 hectares in his possession. He built his new winery in 2011, before that operating tirelessly in cramped conditions, investing where he could in equipment to make sure the purity and grace he so admires in the wines of his region was pristine. Having just tasted Ferruccio’s gorgeous 2016 Barolos, it feels more relevant than ever when Antonio Galloni puzzled that “given the quality of his wines, I am amazed at how under the radar Ferrucio Grimaldi remains within the Barolo landscape”. And for us there is no greater grower to champion than one who happily remains under the radar, producing magnificent wines and gladly selling them to grateful wine lovers at incredibly modest prices. This may well be a career-defining moment for Ferruccio, especially once the critics get hold of his wines, but for the moment this is about amazingly elegant, graceful, pure Nebbiolo that will reward drinkers now and for many years to come. A beautifully open and expressive nose with red cherries, wild strawberries, sweet red liquorice and a full bouquet of fragrant flowers. On the palate it is extraordinarily generous and delicious - the tannins are sweet and inviting, there is a velvety depth with an elegant backbone of acidity and slatey minerality. It is juicy and fresh, yet powerful and long. It is drinking beautifully now, showing the incredibly approachable facet of this vintage, but will develop stunningly in the cellar, making this a true all-rounder and fantastic value Barolo from an incredible vintage.