1996 Barolo La Pira Riserva
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Tasting notes
The 1996 Barolo Riserva Pira Black Label is a potent old-school Barolo all the way. Deeply pitched spice notes meld into a core of dark-toned fruit. I imagine the 1996 will always remain quite tannic and driving in feel. Tonight, it is super expressive, but also very old-school, especially in its tannin and acid profile.
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Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Roagna's 1996 Barolo Riserva Pira, a late release from the winery, is absolutely beautiful. Extended time in both cask and bottle have softened the tannins nicely. What comes through is a gracious, mid-weight Barolo that speaks more to finesse than power. Dried cherry, sweet pipe tobacco, mint, dried flowers and leather all lift from the glass effortlessly. The 1996 is a terrific choice for readers who enjoy traditionally made Barolos that are more about tertiary flavors and structure rather than fruit. This is the best bottle of the 1996 Riserva I have tasted.
A late release from Roagna, the 1996 Barolo Riserva Pira is a wine to open and enjoy over a long period of time. The bouquet along is beguiling, with its hints of sandalwood, orange peel, exotic spice and star anise. Powerful and austere, yet also slightly oxidative from its long aging in barrel, the 1996 Riserva presents a flavor profile that is not often seen today. The firm, grippy tannins are classic 1996. In other words, this is a super old-school, austere Barolo that will thrill readers familiar with the wines of decades past. The 1996 Riserva is not especially refined nor is it subtle, but it does possess remarkable character along with a human spirit that is hard to describe with words alone.
About the producer
Roagna is one of Italy’s finest estates, producing top, single-vineyard Nebbiolos in Barbaresco and Barolo. The estate’s Crichët Pajé Barbaresco is one of the rarest fine wine cuvées in Piedmont with fewer than 2,000 bottles produced each year.