Barolo, Percristina, 1996

Dark ruby. This wine offers a stark contrast to what we have tasted so far- it is our only unabashedly modern-styled Barolo. The 1996 Percristina announces itself with an extroverted nose of toasted oak, spices, vanilla, and menthol followed by masses of concentrated dark fruit that coat the palate, with building tannins and a very long finish. This Barolo offers much harmony and balance in its own way. With some air it is approachable today, although ideally a few additional years of cellaring are warranted. I have always been partial to Clerico's 1996s.