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"This is a very special library release. The 2016 vintage is one of the greatest of our lifetime. A forward-thinking family estate, known for their impeccably balanced and polished Barolos, agreed to release a small parcel of their classic 2016 from their cellars for us. Now with years of perfect cellaring, this wine is entering its prime. The tannins have resolved into silk, revealing complex notes of dried cherry, tar, leather, and cocoa. It is a harmonious, complete, and utterly classic Barolo that is ready to drink tonight. A rare chance to enjoy a perfectly aged wine without having to wait."

Rose, mint and a whiff of forest floor accent primary aromas of ripe red berry on the gorgeous 2021 Capalot from rising star Cristian Boffa. Made with grapes grown in the Capalot MGA in La Morra, the elegant, vibrant palate delivers ripe raspberry, succulent red cherry, cinnamon stick and licorice accompanied by taut, refined tannins. Bright acidity keeps it well balanced and loaded with energy. (KO)

My favorite wine of the flight, the Barale Fratelli 2021 Barolo del Comune di Barolo hints at some of the savory notes (like cured meat and dried tobacco leaf) that we saw in the rest of the range; however, this wine has a stronger and fresher fruit side with cherry and blackberry. It is fermented in stainless steel and matured in French botti for 30 months. (ML)

Bid on this 2-bottle lot of 1982 Renato Ratti "Marcenasco" Barolo (90WS). Wine Spectator: "A fairly elegant style with lots of tea, tar, truffle and chocolate flavors that are highly extracted. It's got plenty of tannin but it's very well balanced." (06/1987)

Bid on this 3-bottle tasting lot; including 2-bottles of 1982 Aldo Conterno "Bussia Soprana" Barolo and 1-bottle of 1985 Aldo Conterno "Bussia Soprana" Barolo. Of the 1982 Aldo Conterno "Bussia Soprana" Barolo, Wine Advocate writes: "Surprisingly ready to drink, this open knit, precocious Barolo exhibits textbook aromas of melted road tar, roses, and dried cherry fruit. There is not a hard edge to be found in this silky textured, expansively flavored, rich, fat, chewy Barolo. Concentrated and spicy..." (12/1992)

Bid on this bottle of 1990 Paolo Scavino "Cannubi" Barolo (95RP, 95VN, 93WS). Vinous: "Medium burnished ruby. The 1990 is a racy, irresistible Barolo that offers a rich, alcoholic nose of spices, minerals, mint, and eucalyptus. It is dense and packed on the palate with much intense, ripe fruit in round and immediate style, finishing with great length. Readers lucky enough to own this wine should feel in no hurry to finish their bottles, this 1990 shows plenty of structure and was still outstanding on the second day after opening. (AG)" (10/2005)

Bid on this bottle of 1990 Gaja "Sperss" Barolo (96JD, 96VN, 95RP). Vinous: "Gaja's 1990 Barolo Sperss is a sweet, seamless beauty endowed with gorgeous fruit. The wine possesses superb inner perfume and purity even if it doesn't quite reach the level of Gaja's most successful wines in this vintage. Still, this is pure 1990 and pure Serralunga. (AG)" (02/2010)

Bid on this bottle of 1990 Bruno Giacosa "Falletto di Serralunga" Barolo Riserva (98RP, 96VN). Wine Advocate: "I remember paying what at the time seemed like a small fortune for bottles of Giacosa’s 1990 Barolo Riserva Falletto at Peck’s Enoteca in Milan. What I would give today to be able to buy more at the same tariff! The 1990 Barolo Riserva Falletto is one of Bruno Giacosa’s most towering wines. Period. Rich, layered and opulent, this mineral-driven, powerful Barolo covers every inch of the palate with masses of dark fruit, smoke, soy, plums, menthol, dried roses, pine and a host of other balsamic overtones. This vivid, kaleidoscopic Barolo is a reference-point wine readers won’t want to miss. As always, the Riserva Falletto is virile and authoritative in tone. Simply put, it its profound. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2030. (AG)" (02/2010)

Bid on this 7-bottle lot; including 7-bottles of 1989 Parusso "Bussia" Barolo - Notes of tar, sweet spices, dried roses, and dark plums. Richly textured structure featuring complex dark fruit, dried flowers, and traditional firm tannins softened by extended bottle maturation.

For our classic Barolo, I turned to a rising-star estate whose meticulous vineyard work in the stunning 2021 vintage produced a wine of incredible purity and elegance. This is the definition of a "discovery." The wine offers soaring aromatics of pure red fruits—crushed raspberry, cherry, and rose petal—with a vibrant, energetic palate supported by fine, silky tannins. It’s a beautifully transparent and fragrant Barolo that captures the finesse of the vintage. It’s a chance to get in on the ground floor with a future star of the region.

Aromas of rose, camphor, wet stone and botanical herb form the alluring nose on the 2021 Comune di La Morra from Cristian Boffa. Aged in large Slavonian casks, the taut, full-bodied palate offers dried cherry, blood orange and star anise alongside tightly wound, fine-grained tannins. (KO)

The Massolino 2021 Barolo reveals a shiny ruby color and a core of dark fruit. Beyond the plummy fruit is tar, licorice, pressed flower and campfire ash. This wine has a pronounced savory side, yet it all fits squarely into a very delicate and finessed delivery. This is a pretty example of the vintage. (ML)

Restrained, fresh and sleek, showing watermelon, mints, potpourri and deep embers with vibrant strawberries and blood oranges. Incredibly elegant on the palate, with smooth, graceful tannins despite the full body, density and tense acidity. Dried-flower flavors are persistent and savory. Harmonious. October 2026 release. Drink then or hold. (AF)

A graceful wine with cinnamon, earth, strawberries, sweet violets and leesy complexity. There is a lot of fruit depth, with a full body, lifted acidity and dense, ripe, velvety tannins. The finish is polished yet tight. Drinkable now, but best from 2027. (AF)

Bid on this 3-bottle tasting lot; including 1-bottle of 2010 Elvio Cogno "Ravera" Barolo (96DC, 95VN, 95WE, 94WS, 93JS, 93RP), 1-bottle of 2010 Oddero Barolo (95JS, 94WE, 93IWR, 93WS, 91DC, 91RP), and 1-bottle of 2010 Parusso "Le Coste di Monforte" Barolo (95JS, 95WS, 92VN). Of the 2010 Elvio Cogno "Ravera" Barolo, Decanter writes: "The highly revered 2010 vintage saw moderate temperatures with marked diurnal differences here, leading to a harvest of ripe, healthy fruit in mid-October. This is also the year Fissore introduced organic practices in his vineyards. Still fresh and youthful, it demonstrates exceptional focus of mint, forest herbs and rose. It's a powerfully structured thoroughbred with succulent acidity that lifts and carries the wine to a long, savoury finish. This is brilliantly proportioned and stately. (MM)" (05/2017)

Aromas of woodland berry, underbrush, hazelnut and camphor form the nose along with a whiff of rose petal on this captivating, delicious wine. The full-bodied, structured palate is still young and primary but already shows raspberry compote, ripe Marasca cherry, star anise, tobacco and the barest hint of game . Tightly knit, noble tannins and fresh acidity provide the firm frame and impart serious aging potential. Hold for even more complexity. (KO)

The aromas to this are really impressive with crushed berries, dried flowers, walnuts and roses. Metamorphoses all the time. Full to medium body, characterized by a fantastic mouthfeel of ripe and round tannins that are always polished and beautiful. Magnificent harmony and purity.

The 2021 Barolo Ginestra Casa Mate displays a bit more ruby and deeper pigment in the glass and has notes of raspberry liqueur, sweet sage, pressed flowers, cedar, and licorice. It’s very pretty on the nose and carries more sapidity to the palate while also retaining lovely purity, with ripe tannins, slightly broader shoulders, and a long finish. Both of the Barolo have a tremendous amount to offer, but with distinctive personalities, and for my taste, this one has a slight edge. (I also wouldn’t be surprised if that were to flip with a different mood and tasting.) The perfumes of both the wines are exceptional in this fantastic vintage. Drink 2027-2057. (AF)

Ripe cherries and plum skin with hints of cocoa, dark spices, mushrooms and sandalwood on the nose. Firm and structured with a medium to full body. Shows tension and good volume, with succulent fruit in the middle. Better after two to three years. (AS)

A very exuberant yet delicate nose of rose petals, clementine peel and raspberries. The palate is medium-bodied with supple red fruit and silky tannins. Very pleasant. Drink now or hold. (JS)

A restrained and fresh wine focused on licorice, red currants, violets and watermelon. It’s almost zesty in acidity, with a tight palate, a medium body and dusty yet ripe, lightly framed tannins. Drinkable now, but best from 2026. (AF)

The depth and beauty of this are so enticing and attractive that you want to drink the whole bottle. It’s medium- to full-bodied with cherries, strawberries and white truffles. Juicy and precise, with a real presence and complexity as it opens. Best after 2027, but already gorgeous. (JS)

Ripe dark-skinned fruit, cardamom, violet and new leather aromas lift out of the glass on this full-bodied, fragrant red. Structured and elegant, the enveloping palate offers ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, nutmeg and star anise wrapped in firm, fine-grained tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced.

Founded in 1878 by Emanuele Alberto di Mirafiore, son of Italy’s King Vittorio Emanuele II, Casa E. di Mirafiore has deep roots in Piedmont’s Barolo country. Its 2018 Barolo is made from Nebbiolo, the sole grape permitted in this appellation in the Langhe hills.

Bid on this 3-bottle lot of 2008 Roberto Voerzio "La Serra" Barolo (96VN, 95WS). Vinous: "The 2008 Barolo La Serra emerges from the glass with dark red fruit, tar, smoke, licorice, spices and new leather. Today the 2008 comes across as surprisingly dark and masculine. The high-toned floral notes that are typical of this site have been replaced by a much darker, brooding register filled with tar, incense and black fruit notes. The wine freshens up beautifully with time in the glass as the aromatics become a bit more expressive. Voerzio's 2008 La Serra is a huge and hugely promising wine. The firm tannins argue for at least a few more years in bottle. A hint of rose petal lingers on the intese finish. (AG) 96+" (04/2012)

Bid on this 2-bottle tasting lot; including 1-bottle of 2004 Conterno Fantino "Vigna Del Gris" Barolo (93RP, 93VN, 92WS) and 1-bottle of 2006 Conterno Fantino "Sorì Ginestra" Barolo (95RP, 95ST, 93JS, 92WS). Of the 2006 Conterno Fantino "Sorì Ginestra" Barolo, Wine Advocate writes: "The estate’s 2006 Barolo Sori Ginestra is massive and intense. Layers of aromatic nuance and complexity are backed up with powerful, dense fruit. Today the wine is quite understandably painfully young, and patience is required for the tannins to soften, but this is a highly promising Barolo. With time in the glass, the signature notes of menthol, spices, pine and minerals gain focus and clarity, giving a hint of what is in store for the future. (AG)" (02/2010)

Bid on this 2-bottle lot of 1990 Paolo Scavino Barolo (92RP). Wine Advocate: "Scavino's 1990s are immense, statuesque wines of exceptional richness and complexity. The softest, most fragrant, and ready for prime time drinking candidate is the 1990 Barolo. The dark ruby/garnet color is followed by a sweet nose of nuts, cedar, fruitcake, and black fruits. This soft, opulent, full-bodied, luscious wine should drink well for at least a decade. (RP)" (04/1994)

Bid on this 2-bottle tasting lot; including 1-bottle of 1990 Paolo Scavino "Bric del Fiasc" Barolo (97RP, 94VN, 93WS) and 1-bottle of 2000 Paolo Scavino "Bric dël Fiasc" Barolo (98WS, 96RP, 95JS, 93ST). Of the 2000 Paolo Scavino "Bric dël Fiasc" Barolo, Wine Spectator writes: "Very, very ripe fruit, with strawberries and plums galore. Turns to Indian spices and cedar. Full-bodied, with an exquisite palate of ultaripe tannins that turn to velvet. Long, long finish. Cashmere. Great from barrel, great from bottle. This is the best Bric dël Fiasc ever. *Ranked #4 in Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2004* (JS)" (07/2004)

Bid on this 2-bottle lot of 2007 Giuseppe e Figlio Mascarello "Monprivato" Barolo (97RP, 96WS, 94VN). Wine Advocate: "The 2007 Barolo Monprivato is stunningly beautiful. Monprivato is seldom this rich when it is young. It is most often intensely aromatic, mid-weight and frequently out of balance, especially right after bottling. The 2007 is none of those things. It is a rich, dramatic wine endowed with tons of fruit and a sweeping, enveloping personality. It is also primary and at the beginning of what is likely to be a long, long life. Despite its seeming fragility, Monprivato is one of the most long-lived of all Baroli, even in its weakest vintages. (AG)" (10/2011)

Bid on this 3-bottle lot of 2008 Brezza "Bricco Sarmassa" Barolo (95VN). Vinous: "The 2008 Barolo Bricco Sarmassa is fabulous. It boasts gorgeous inner sweetness, cool minerality and fabulous perfume. Dark cherries, mint, flowers and spices wrap around the gorgeous, chiseled finish. The Bricco Sarmassa is one of the Barolo's most under the radar wines. This is a prototypical 2008 that captures the very best qualities of the year. Layers of fruit build to the long, vibrant finish. Enzo Brezza did a great job with his Bricco Saramassa in 2008. (AG)" (04/2012)

Bid on this 2-bottle lot of 2007 Giacomo Conterno "Cascina Francia" Barolo (96RP, 94JS, 94ST, 92WS). Wine Advocate: "The 2007 Barolo Cascina Francia is an unusual version of this benchmark wine. In 2007 Conterno decided against bottling his Monfortino. Conterno believes Nebbiolo can handle rain and humidity (hence his decision to make Monfortino in rainy years such as 1987 and 2002), but not drought. The result is a Cascina Francia that is unusually dark, rich and powerful. The floral, herbal notes that are typical in young Cascina Francia have been replaced by deeper notes of tar, smoke and licorice to match the layers of intense dark fruit. The 2007 is powerful and imposing from start to finish. It is going to be a fascinating Barolo to follow over the coming years and decades. (AG) 96+" (10/2011)

Bid on this bottle of 1985 Elio Altare Barolo (92WS). Wine Spectator: "Rich and elegant, with generous floral and berry aromas and flavors supported by-rather than hidden by-the tannins. One of the most elegant Barolos we've tried, long and pure. 606 cases made." (01/1990)

Bid on this 3-bottle tasting lot; including 1-bottle of 1990 Elio Altare Barolo, 1-bottle of 1996 Mauro Veglio "Casteletto" Barolo ((91-93RP), 92WS), and 1-bottle of 2000 Luciano Sandrone "Le Vigne" Barolo (95JS, 95WS, 93RP, 92VN). Of the 2000 Luciano Sandrone "Le Vigne" Barolo, James Suckling writes: "Layered, rich, and wonderful with dried fruits, licorice and berries. The warm and rich 2000 Barolos are still fresh and youthful." (09/2011)

Restrained, fresh and sleek, showing watermelon, mints, potpourri and deep embers with vibrant strawberries and blood oranges. Incredibly elegant on the palate, with smooth, graceful tannins despite the full body, density and tense acidity. Dried-flower flavors are persistent and savory. Harmonious. October 2026 release. Drink then or hold. (AF)

This is very powerful and structured, with aromas of black truffles, graphite and hints of dried thyme and cedar. Medium- to full-bodied and chewy yet polished. Hints of terra cotta and dark fruit. The finish goes on and on. March 2024 release. Best after 2028. (JS)

The Conterno family now waits for 10 years following the harvest to release a Riserva. It is a co-fermentation of the three oldest plots in Romirasco, Cicala and Colonnello. Still impossibly youthful, the 2016 is ever-changing in the glass. Cedar and pine morph into sage and rosemary, with subtle vanillin and perfumed earth weaving through. Saturates the mouth with fleshy cherry and dense plum cake. Nuances of ginger and powdered mint arise. Tannins are steely and rigid, almost immoveable at the moment. There is a smooth seamlessness to their steady power, then a vibrant hook on the finish. Lingers with juniper and heather. This needs much more time in the bottle. (MM)

Pouring a deeper ruby color, the 2020 Barolo Riserva Rüncot is a powerful yet contemplative wine. Aromas of black raspberries, cedar, citrus oils, and dark stones unfold gradually from the glass. Medium- to full-bodied, it shows remarkable clarity and concentration without weight, with mineral depth and persistent energy across the palate. The oak spice is present yet beautifully integrated, adding complexity rather than dominance. Built for long aging, this exceptional Riserva will reward patience. Around 5,000 bottles were produced. Drink 2027-2057. (AF) 98+

Approachable nose of melons, watermelon, red currants and peach peel. Medium- to full-bodied, it shows velvety tannins, juicy acidity and a savory finish with licorice notes. Drink or hold. (AF)

The 2021 San Lorenzo di Verduno from Fratelli Alessandria is a stunner, starting with its intense fragrance of violet, rose, perfumed berry, forest floor and new leather. The palate is full-bodied and utterly delicious, delivering ripe black cherry, black raspberry, licorice and white truffle before a savory finish. Tightly knit, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity keep it balanced while a hint of almond liqueur lingers on the finish. (KO)

The 2022 Barolo Bric Del Fiasc pours a vibrant ruby hue and delivers layered aromatics of redcurrants, iron earth, orange spice, incense, and mint. Medium-bodied, focused, and linear, it has remarkable energy and complexity without relying on sheer weight. The palate is mouthwatering and persistent, with dried apricot notes lingering through the finish. Roughly 10,000 bottles were produced. Drink 2027-2046. (AF)

You could argue that this is the wine with the fasting growing quality trajectory because this vineyard site is one of those rare places in the appellation that appears to improve despite (or more likely because of) a changing climate. Ravera enjoys an open panorama (at 400 to 440 meters in elevation) that extends to the snow-capped Alps and benefits from cooler air currents, coupled with an amazing quality of light that you notice with the naked eye. The 2021 Barolo Ravera saw its fruit harvested later than the other wines, on October 11th, and continued with a classic Vietti-style fermentation with 20-plus days of skin contact. Simply put, what Ravera offers is complexity (and strength) with hints of bergamot, citrus, herbs, mineral and salt over a tightly concentrated mouthfeel. The quality of the tannins and the freshness of this 2021 are impressive, and that citrusy note continues with tangerine skin and kumquat. 98+ (ML)

Paolo Scavino has crushed the 2021 vintage for its Barolos and the family’s Prapò is another gorgeous showing. It opens with intense aromas of ripe dark-skinned berry, star anise, violet and new leather. Showing its Serralunga roots, the structured, full-bodied palate features a backbone of firm, fine-grained tannins that support ripe red cherry, cranberry, star anise and mocha before a cool, mentholated finish. Bright acidity provides balance and great tension. Promising great longevity, it’s youthfully austere at this stage and will benefit from more cellaring.

Restrained and perfumed, showing bright licorice root, wild strawberries, watermelon and fresh violets. Full-bodied yet not exuberant, this subtle, elegant Barolo has firm, fine-grained and condensed tannins with persistent acidity and a savory, sanguine finish. October 2026 release. Almost drinkable now yet intended for long aging. (AF)

Open and inviting, the ruby red 2020 Barolo Serra has a lovely, ripe bouquet boasting notes of raspberry liqueur, fresh apricots, pressed roses, and sweet herbs. This moves seamlessly to the palate, which is equally pure and elegant, with fine tannins and a long finish. This beautiful wine is absolutely impossible to resist now but will have a wide drinking window over the next 10-15 years. (AF)

The Cavallotto 2022 Barolo Bricco Boschis, the estate's most historic bottling, shines bright and defies the challenging vintage, luring you in with heady aromas of violet, freshly cut hay, eucalyptus, ripe berry, leather and hints of forest floor. Made with vines averaging 55-years-old, it boasts structure and the nervous energy one expects of a young Barolo, delivering delicious layers of raspberry tart, cherry compote, candied orange slice, vanilla and licorice set against a backbone of velvety tannins. Tangy acidity keeps it lifted. It also shows more aging potential than most 2022 Barolos. (KO)

Glorious aromas of roses, whole white truffles, earth and raspberry. Dusty. Subtle rosemary and lemon grass too. Full-bodied, tight and structured. Yet it opens and caresses every inch of your palate. So gorgeous now to drink. No Monfortino in this year; so absolutely amazing because it all went in here. Wow. Drink or hold.

The 2016 Barolo Arione is a sort of synthesis between the Cerretta and Francia. It has the red fruit profile and floral overtones of the former with a feeling of structure that recalls the later. Arione Barolos always have a distinctly wild, feral quality strong on iron and mineral notes, which is very much the case here. Logically, the 2016 needs a bit of time to soften, but it is super-impressive. It is perhaps a bit less polished than the Francia, but it also has a phenomenally long, classically austere finish. It’s the sort of wine I would like to spend a few hours with. In 2016, there is no Monfortino, so all of the Arione wine is in this bottling, unlike 2015, when a portion was blended into Monfortino. (AG)

The 2021 Barolo Gavarini Chiniera is a deep, powerful wine. In most vintages, the Gavarini Chiniera is a bit more linear, but the 2021 has an extra kick of textural depth that is such a hallmark of the year. Iron, chalk, dried flowers, mint and red cherry fruit build with a bit of coaxing. Readers will find a potent, explosive Barolo that hits all the right notes. (AG)