Barolo 'Marenca'

Score

94

"You don't see too many wines from the Marenca cru in Serralunga d'Alba, and in fact, looking through the Wine Advocate database, I only see past vintages from this single producer, Luigi Pira. The 2016 Barolo Marenca offers an accessible and open-knit personality with bold, dark fruit and distinctive mineral tones that range from crushed stone to rusty metal. The Marenca aging regime sees a combination of neutral French tonneaux and Slavonian botte grande, and that wood has served mostly to enhance balance and integration. Some 9,000 bottles were produced."

Score

95

"The 2016 Barolo Marenca is powerful, deep and richly constituted, but also reflects Giampaolo Pira's move towards a style that showcases a good deal of Nebbiolo translucence. Swaths of Marenca tannin wrap around a core of intense red fruit, iron, menthol, anise and dried herbs. As always, Marenca has that extra kick of fruit density and richness that works so well to play off its considerable tannic clout."

Score

92

"Notes of menthol, medicinal herbs, juniper and eucalyptus swirl around the ripe cherry flavors in this aromatic Barolo, supported by a tough layer of tannins. Extends nicely on the finish, where the underbrush elements echo. Best from 2022 through 2036. 550 cases made, 150 cases imported."

Score

93+

"The 2013 Barolo Marenca is dark, plush and inviting. As always, the Marenca is a Barolo of notable textural breadth and volume. Hints of mocha, leather, spice and grilled herbs add aromatic nuance to the dark-fleshed Nebbiolo fruit, but it is the wine's structure and overall depth that stand out most. Pira's Marenca has a way of developing beautifully in bottle and often surprises over time. I would cellar it for at least a few years."