Massolino Barolo Parrusi 2016

Of the four single-vineyard Baroli made by Massolino, the 2016 Barolo Parussi is the only one with fruit from Castiglione Falletto. This wine is elegant and tight, and it shows a superb level of Nebbiolo precision. That sharpness is built upon beautifully in a classic vintage such as 2016, and aromas of wild berry, earth, tobacco, licorice and dusty limestone come into startling focus. Parussi adopts a direct and linear approach with fine and polished tannins. In a portfolio that so closely monitors the taste profile of Serralunga d'Alba, this wine is the delightful outsider. They expect 6,800 bottles to hit the market in September 2020.

Cellar Selection Pipe-tobacco, scorched earth and underbrush aromas mingle with whiffs of camphor and dark-skinned berry on this full-bodied red. It's firmly structured, featuring raspberry compote and licorice flavors framed in assertive, close-grained tannins that grip the finish. Youthfully austere and tightly wound, it needs several more years to fully integrate. Drink 2026-2046.

The 2016 Barolo Parussi is the most overt and fruity of the 2016s. That is not a bad thing at all, as it gives the wine striking immediacy and mid-palate sweetness. Succulent red and purplish berry fruit, spice and mint come together in the glass. Silky, floral and medium in body, the Parussi captures all of the sensuality that is typical of the Barolos of Castiglione Falletto. Best of all, the Parussi will drink well earlier than the wines from Serralunga will.