Though I’ve rarely encountered a Barolo I didn’t enjoy, certain vintages are known for being particularly excellent.
2015 – The most recent vintage available, 2015 has some true stunners though is overall a bit more mixed than many of the other excellent vintages. The wet, rainy and snowy winter of early 2015 was a boon for Nebbiolo, and the crop was very healthy. Wines showed very high tannin levels, and flavors ranging from light and fresh to ripe and warm.
2013 – Far and away the best Barolo within the last 8 years, these wines show a lot of pure and silky flavors. The 2013 vintage shows a lot of powerful structure and are built for aging – if you can keep yourself from drinking them!
2010 – A year of big, bold and fruit forward Barolos, like the 2013 vintage the 2010 vintage has great potential for aging. Some of the most ideal weather for growing Nebbiolo lead to very elegant wines with great acidity.
2006 – 2006 was a great year for powerful Barolos that are really coming into their own right around now. It’s hard to get your hands on Barolo from this year, but it’s worth the search!
2004 – A classic vintage that’s really hitting its peak, these Barolos are full of fresh floral scents that your nose can just get buried in.
1996 – This isn’t exactly a recent vintage, but I had to include it since these wines represent the pinnacle of what a Barolo should taste like. Wines from the 1996 vintage are fruity yet still maintain their powerful structure. Worth splurging on for a special event!
