Barolo, Massara, 2016

Instantly breathtaking. Such an open, vivid but serious nose sets the stage beautifully for a stunningly graceful, poised and high-toned palate. Delicate, precise, small wild strawberry and cherry fruit fused with notes of clove spice and stones. So elegant, lifted and aromatic but make no mistake this has backbone. A perfect balance of intensity and finesse – this wines has force but is evidenced more by the echoing brilliance of the finish than any kind of richness or brute power. Exquisite. A south-east facing vineyard of sandy clay and limestone from Verduno, a commune influenced by the close proximity to the river where there are big day/night temperature differences that help build up aroma in the wines. Aged for 33 months in large Austrian and Slavonian oak casks.