2021 Trediberri "Berri" Barolo

From the Cru in the northwest, the 2021 Barolo Berri is a medium ruby color and has a fantastic nose with a spicy and attractive profile of cranberries, clove, roses, and dusty, brushy earth. Medium-bodied, it’s even on the palate, with even, ripe acidity, chalky tannins, and a lovely purity, and it stays light on its feet, with a floating feel. I expect this to age very well over the coming 20 years, but it’s hard to resist now. (AF)

If you want to understand the electric, nervous energy of this classic vintage, Trediberri’s "Berri" is exactly where you need to look. Nicola Oberto is crafting some of the most transparent, terroir-driven wines in La Morra right now, and the 2021 is just a smoking success. As most of you know at this point, La Morra terroir produces wine of extreme elegance, vibrancy. The Berri cru sits at the extreme western edge of the La Morra Village zone, heavily influenced by cooling winds from the Tanaro River. In a structured, powerful vintage like 2021, this cooler microclimate is the magic ticket. This wine completely bypasses heavy extraction; instead, it relies on a beautiful, vertical spine of acidity and pure aromatic lift. I’m obsessed by this, honestly, If I could, I’d drink this every day. The nose is a high-toned, blood-orange peel, and white pepper to take the scene. But there is a distinct balsamic edge here that balances the high tone characteristics of this producer. On the palate, it vibrates. This is the definition of "crunchy" Nebbiolo. It doesn't expand horizontally with sweet fruit; it drives forward with a linear, saline tension. While many 2021 Barolos are currently brooding, inward-looking monsters, the Berri offers a crystalline transparency that makes it intellectually thrilling right out of the gate. This are the types of wines that make me love this grape, a true gem.