Mario Giribaldi Barolo Cerviano Merli Riserva 2016

Amongst an array of stellar vintages over the last decade and more, none surpass 2016 – it is already legendary. This vineyard is just four metres in distance from the Ravera. A deep red/ maroon, the nose offers strawberries and florals, notes of coffee grinds, truffles and cigar boxes, hints of bay leaves and roast meats. This is fresh, focused, supple, lingering and utterly delicious. Fabulously complex, this is a wonderful Barolo for enjoying over the next couple of decades. The team talk of it offering a “heart-shaped palate”. Appealing cherry notes emerge and there is already some development, of course, but plenty more to come. A stunning wine.