The Luigi Baudana 2016 Barolo Baudana opens to a saturated and dark garnet color. Of these three Baroli from Luigi Baudana, this is perhaps the most complete and round. It shows the mineral signature that we got in the Cerretta (also from Serralunga d'Alba) with a bigger fruit profile, complete with sweet cherry and blackberry preserves. In fact, this wine feels a bit riper, sunnier and sweeter than the others in this grouping. Last year, in the 2015 vintage, this was my favorite wine. But in this tighter and more linear 2016 vintage, I prefer the Cerretta by a very small margin. Both wines are excellent. Only 3,500 bottles were released.

Macerated cherry and raspberry fruit is supported by rose, iron and eucalyptus flavors in this red, which is complex and intense, with an elegant frame and beautifully integrated tannins. Just as this feels approachable, the fine-grained tannins take hold, ending with a very long finish. Best from 2023 through 2045. 300 cases made.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add