Certainly more austere and structured compared to some of the other new releases from Marchesi di Barolo, the 2018 Barolo Sarmassa is nicely tweaked by basic aging and barrel time. You get a dark quality of fruit with plum and blackberry, and there is integrated spice and smoke as well from the barrel aging. The wine goes into French oak for nine months and follows in Slavonian casks for an additional 12 months. The oak tannins are on the dry side as a result. Some 15,000 bottles were made (and will be released next year).

This red is not only expressive, exuding cherry, raspberry, mineral, earth and mint flavors, but it's also silky and succulent. Reveals refined tannins and bright acidity, which lend support as this glides to a long aftertaste. Best from 2025 through 2040. 3,300 cases made, 500 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add