Barolo 'Margheria'

Score

95+

"Here is a wonderfully executed Barolo to applaud. The Azelia 2016 Barolo Margheria offers that classic twofold punch of power and elegance that is so nicely highlighted in wines from Serralunga d'Alba. For sure, the textural fiber of this wine is richer, denser and tighter than the others, and there is an attractive point of inner black fruit energy and tension that I did not find to the same extent in the Cerretta. If that wine is more focused on the base tones, this wine hits those high tones with better precision. The Margheria vines are 60 years old on average and planted in clayey and calcareous soils that render minerality to the wine. Some 6,100 bottles were rolled out."

Score

95+

"The 2016 Barolo Margheria shows the natural weight and gravitas of Serralunga in its dark flavor profile and textural resonance. Black cherry, plum, lavender, spice, mint, chalk and bright saline notes are all laced throughout. Deceptive in its mid-weight structure, the 2016 possesses tremendous persistence and class to burn. Wilder suggestions of sage and lavender add savory top notes, while searing tannins punctuate the finish."

Score

95

"You can taste the softness and richness of the warm vintage in the 2015 Barolo Margheria. The wine offers dark fruit flavors and lots of rich, plump fruit at the back. This is a softly textured wine that can also be consumed in the near or medium term. This single-vineyard Barolo from Serralunga d'Alba ages in botti grandi for 36 months. The vines are 60 years old, and the soils are rich with limestone clay. Some 6,200 bottles were made."

Score

92

"Truffle, brown spice, wild berry and rose aromas take shape in the glass along with a whiff of tar. Firm and refined, the polished palate offers dried black cherry, licorice and tobacco alongside taut, elegant tannins. Drink 2021–2027."

Score

94

"Attractive sliced strawberries with hints of tar and fragrant, rose-like notes make for a compelling young Barolo. The supple palate has a lithe and succulent core with focused, energetic tannins that carry fresh, sweet cherries. Long, taut finish. Try from 2023."

Score

94

"The 2015 Barolo Margheria shows the textural breadth of Serralunga in its compelling interplay of succulent, layered fruit and bright, soil-driven tones, with mineral inflections that add layers of complexity. Sage, tobacco, cedar, rose petal, menthol, anise and dried flowers fill out the wine's frame effortlessly. All the elements are nicely balanced. In 2015 the Margheria is all class."