2018 Barolo Ornato
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Barolo Ornato is somber, brooding and quite closed in on itself. There's a ton of aromatic and flavor complexity, but the fruit is very much in the background. It will be interesting to see if the 2018 emerges, or if it remains rather compact, as it is today. There's a good bit of density and power behind all of that tannin. Hints of blood orange, crushed raspberry, rose petal and cinnamon linger on the super-classic finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Barolo Ornato reveals some very distant hot-vintage aromas that are vaguely reminiscent of dried raspberry or stewed plum. Nebbiolo is extremely sensitive to the warmer temperatures and even a hint of extra ripeness is easily detected. However, the wine is fluid and ever-evolving. Those fruit-driven aromas soon transition over to brooding complexity with smoke, tar and licorice. The Ornato paints a wide picture of that characteristic Serralunga d'Alba intensity.
Serralunga d'Alba. 12,528 bottles produced. Mid ruby with orange tinges. Beautiful, open-knit and ripe cherry nose loaded with minerals and hints of liquorice and with plenty of depth. Generous, supple fruit with gripping tannins building a real unity. Great length with lots of powdery tannins, juice and grip. Simply irresistible but might be too austere right now for most palates. (WS)