2019 Barolo Rocche dell Annunziata

Spicy and elegant, the 2019 Barolo Rocche Dell'Annunziata is laced with notes of incense, fresh earth, and ripe cherry. Linear and driving, it has a gripping structure, with lasting Asian spices, wild berries, and tea leaf. It is an outstanding wine to hold another couple of years and drink 2025-2045. Based in La Morra, 2016 was the first vintage where Trediberri chose to vinify all their grapes rather than sell off their fruit. Their key holdings are in Rocche dell’Annunziatta, just below those of Maria Teresa Mascarello. Their holdings in Berri are 330-410 meters above sea level, closer to the Tanaro River, and the winds that come off the river lead to a late harvest, which preserves the acidity and the quality of the grapes. I met with Nicola Oberto, one of the great young voices in the Barolo region, who has a fantastic pulse on both the history and terroir, as well as insight into the future of market and the region at large. His wines are energetic and pure across the range and offer a ton of value, and I believe they will continue to make their mark as they establish themselves as quality wines in the years to come.

The 2019 Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata is the best wine I have tasted yet from Nicola and Stefania Oberto. The biggest change here in recent years is the elimination of small oak in favor of casks, a move that really allows the full character of Rocche dell'Annunziata to come through. Dark cherry, kirsch, hard candy, rose petal and mint are all amplified in this gorgeous, translucent Barolo. A range of perfumed, floral accents lifts the intensely aromatic finish.