FRANCESCO RINALDI 2019 ROCCHE DELL' ANNUNZIATA BAROLO

F. Rinaldi's style is traditionally-minded, showing a touch of old-school rusticity, allowing more of the raw character of Nebbiolo and its site to come through. Rocche dell'Annunziata, in La Morra, is one of the storied vineyard sites for Barolo. With plots facing the sun during the warmer afternoons, and well-drained stony soils of sand, calcite and clay, it's a site that thrives in balanced or cooler vintages. In 2019 it's an exceptional expression of the site, with its combination of elegance and concentration. It's already expressive, driven by its floral and balsam herbal notes, accompanied by baking spices and an earthy minerality. Give this the time it deserves, either in bottle or a few hours in the decanter.

KERIN O'KEEFE 97 POINTS - "Floral aromas of rose and violet lead the way along with notes of camphor, spice, hay and perfumed berry on Francesco Rinaldi & Figli’s stunning 2019 Rocche dell'Annunziata. Made with grapes hailing from what is La Morra’s most celebrated vineyard site and in a part of the cru that has more sand when compared to site’s higher reaches, this is all about extreme elegance and intensity, delivering juicy red cherry punctuated by baking spice, star anise and menthol before finishing on a tangy mineral note recalling saline. Taut, polished tannins provide seamless support while fresh acidity keeps it balanced and vibrant. What a beauty. Drink 2027–2039. Abv: 14.5% Kerin O’Keefe April 2023 ©kerinokeefe.com"