The 2017 Barolo is a gorgeous, harmonious wine. In this vintage, the straight Barolo is a bit lighter than normal, as most wines are, but it is so impeccably balanced. Pliant and inviting, the 2017 will be pleasurable to drink in another year or two. The purity of the flavors is just striking. Red berry fruit, rose petal, mint, cinnamon and crushed rose petal are some of the many aromas and flavors that grace this exquisite Barolo from the Massolino family. So many 2017s are marked by sinewy tannins, here, they are especially fine.

Massolino's classic 2017 Barolo sees most of its fruit come from Serralunga d'Alba, although a small percentage of the blend comes from Castiglione Falletto. Compared to its peers from this hot and dry growing season, this wine is delicate and almost fragile. It softly reveals cassis, red berries and exotic plum. A second wave of aromas introduces spice, red earth and rusty notes. These results achieve very good balance overall.

Serralunga d'Alba. Youthful mid ruby. Beguiling nose of concentrated cherry, dark spice and minerally, stony notes. Shows real generosity on the nose. Palate equally generous, with concentrated, juicy sour-cherry fruit lined with long, powdery tannins. Hedonistic, for sure, and so confident! Ready now but will improve. Simply delicious and definitely one of the vintage's best buys. (WS)