The 2016 Barolo Riserva Vignolo is going to need time to emerge, as it is pretty austere today. Red cherry, iron, incense, white pepper, cedar and tobacco are enshrouded by a blanket of intense tannin. The flavor profile is decidedly old-school leaning, in a way that is not too common these days. Firm, dusty tannins wrap it all together. Quite frankly, the 2016 tastes like a wine from another era. I can’t wait to see how it ages.

Enticing aromas recalling new leather, pressed rose, eucalyptus and sandalwood come to the forefront on this gorgeous, compelling wine. Full-bodied, structured and loaded with finesse, the precise palate is young but already delicious, delivering juicy Marasca cherry, raspberry, licorice, truffle and white pepper alongside a backbone of taut, refined tannins. Bright acidity keeps it energized and will fuel decades of evolution. Drink 2026–2056. Kerin O'Keefe

The volume of fruit is turned up in this red, revealing macerated cherry, raspberry and plum notes, with menthol, iron and tar elements adding depth. Solidly built, with fine tension and a complex, detailed aftertaste. Best from 2025 through 2047. 580 cases made, 80 cases imported. BS

The Cavallotto 2016 Barolo Riserva Vignolo is an organic wine that shows superb balance and great intensity. Elegance and power are in fact the twofold hallmark of this iconic vintage. This is a polished and silky wine with an almost glossy or latex-like quality to its tannins (that I love, by the way). This 5,333-bottle production hails from a two-hectare vineyard with 40-year-old vines. It has southwest exposures at a breezy 220 to 310 meters in altitude. ML

Mid to deep ruby with a brickstone rim. Cool spicy nose that is still a little shy on the nose and with mineral notes. Crunchy juicy fruit on the palate, and still a little backward. Sour cherry and hints of orange peel, energetic acidity and finely ground tannins and a long sweet-sour cherry finish. Drink 2024 - 2038
Walter Speller - December 2021