Would love to hear what folks are thinking about the 2016 Barolo vintage. I have heard some cautious commentary on 2016, including some comments on WB. By “cautious”, I don’t mean negative… just that 2016 may not be as legendary as folks thought it could have been a year ago. I’m wondering if perhaps 2016 pricing won’t jump up as much as previously expected (given what I perceive to be not insignificant increases for 2015, other recent/good vintages being readily available, and a potentially decent 2019 not too far away), which would be more justified if the wines won’t be as long-lived as say 2010 or 2013. I have not tasted any 2016s… so am just curious what people are thinking for those who have / or talk to those who have.
Would love to hear thoughts on ageability/structure, vintage comparisons, general thoughts on value/pricing. I slapped on a poll as well, although I wonder how many are qualified to vote (I am not)
I think it’s a very classic vintage, but it’s not quite 2013 in terms of ageability and power. I do think producers when speaking a bit more freely admit that while very good, it’s not an “all time” vintage.
As far as the poll, hard to vote. It’s certainly one of the two best vintages of the decade.
I’ve only tasted the '16 Vietti Crus and they are splendid. The general thoughts from the producers I have spoken with is that it is a classic and near perfect vintage.
I’ve been tasting the base Nebbiolos. They are consistently excellent (eg. Bartolo Mascarello, Bruno Giacosa, Fratelli Alessandria, PdB, Ca Nova) If they are good indicators, then yes this will be a very good vintage. Better than 2010 or 2013? I certainly can’t say. Ask again in 10 or 20 years.
Does it matter if it’s ‘better’ than other ‘best’ vintages? If you are up for long aging then this will be a vintage to buy deeply. And if trends are indicative prices will be up but will look positively cheap compared to the next bunch of ‘best’ vintages.
I have been following this vintage since 2017, with dozens of tastings from Barbaresco in the north, to Monforte in the south; winegrowers are quite happy.
Recent tasting was during the first two weeks of October; I’ll return again from 27 nov until 2 Dec., for a few more data points.
Plans include buying my annual favorites, and some others that have some really beautiful wines, as well.
2018 will be a vintage that I’ll probably go twice as deep as i usually do; get your requests in early.
Sunny for a change in Firenze just now, hoping it’s the same when I arrive in Roma in 75 more minutes; forecast there is rain during each of my 6 days, but after the non-stop rain of the past two weeks in Toscana, it’s all good.