97
Wine Enthusiast
"Glossy, elegant and full bodied, this beauty opens with aromas of dark berry, menthol, wild rose and exotic spice. The delicious, finessed palate doles out mouthfuls of juicy red cherry, raspberry compote, vanilla and licorice framed in taut, fine-grained tannins. Vibrant acidity keeps it focused and lends youthful tension. Drink 2024–2046."
96+ Monica Larner - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
"From the first sip, you are made aware of the power and depth of this wine. At the top of the estate portfolio, the Renato Ratti 2016 Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata is the most structured and layered expression, with fruit from one of the flagship vineyards of La Morra. The power of the wine unfolds with dark fruit, cassis and crushed rock. I gave my sample ample aeration, and that made all the difference. I tasted menthol and balsam herb in a fluid and ever-changing exchange. 'Annunziata is all about power, depth and length."
95 Wine Spectator
"Complex aromas and flavors of red berries, iron, tobacco, tar and licorice take on a saline element as this winds down on the lingering aftertaste. Starts out with plenty of personality, firming up in the end, with a juicy finish. Best from 2023 through 2042"
94+ Antonio Galloni - Vinous
"The 2016 Barolo Rocche dell’Annunziata is a classic Barolo from La Morra’s most famous site. Fresh flowers, pine, mint, crushed rocks and red berry fruit are all finely-knit. The Rocche is translucent and finessed, with notable energy and tons of palate presence, all in a more traditional style than has been the norm in recent years. There is some youthful austerity, but nothing a bit of time in bottle can’t soften."
93 Decanter
"Pietro Ratti's vineyards are all close to his winery in the Annunziata subzone of La Morra. In recent vintages his Rocche dell'Annunziata has been extremely consistent in delivering wines of impeccable finesse. It is aged in barriques as well as casks, but the oak is well judged. The red-fruit nose is lean and minty with floral nuances, while the attack is fresh and limpid, with clarity of fruit supported by firm tannins. Quite assertive now, it's youthful, stylish and long, with a crystalline finish."
The ’16 is notably different than its predecessor, with significantly lighter pigment concentration as well as physical density. However, it would be a very bad mistake to downgrade the wine for those reasons, as it displays absolutely gorgeous aromas with floral notes, wood spice and ripe scents of dried cherries that could hardly be more seductive. The flavors follow suit, but also add a wonderful savory note recalling cured meat. In overall profile, this offers an incredibly high ratio of aroma and flavor to weight, and in that respect will remind many tasters more of Grand Cru Burgundy than their stereotypical notion of Barolo. But make no mistake: This is truly great Barolo, and a jaw-droppingly beautiful wine.
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