The 2018 Barolo Arione is an imposing wine. It's presence alone is impossible to miss. Arione is a wine that demands attention. There is something wild and exotic - almost animalistic - about the Arione and the way it asserts itself. Time in the glass brings out scents of sage, menthol, white pepper and orange peel. A generous kick of Serralunga acidity and tannin punctuates the finish. It's still early days for Roberto Conterno's Barolo from Arione. I can't wait to see how this ages.

With young soils and steep hills, the importance of Arione is easily understood. The southern exposure helped the quality in this vintage and the wine shows a restrained red currant fruit aroma with graceful cinnamon, sweet violet and watermelon, allied to an anise, almost herbal, whiff. Full, refreshing and very elegant yet not without a firm structure, it features an extracted chalky finish. It will age quite well for a 2018. Drinking Window: 2023 - 2040
Tasted by: Aldo Fiordelli (at Alba, 26 Jan 2022)
Part of Barolo 2018 vintage report plus top-scoring wines

Perfumed and suave, this red boasts cherry, strawberry, sandalwood, floral and mint aromas and flavors. This one is all about finesse and harmony, with its precision and balance providing a sense of seamlessness -- even at this youthful stage. The fruit, spice and savory elements linger on the aftertaste. Best from 2025 through 2043. 833 cases made. BS

There is surprising depth for the vintage in the 2018 Barolo Arione, with licorice, black truffle, violet, and cherry lozenge. Medium to full-bodied, with fleshy cherry fruit, it is long and luxurious on the palate, with fine tannins and a velvety mouthfeel. A fantastic wine from Roberto Conterno, it is an outstanding wine to drink right now or over the coming 20 years. AF