2016 Azelia Barolo Margheria

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.

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.