Barolo Gavarini Vigna Chiniera Elio Grasso 2016 (1.5L)

95 Points, Zachys Buying Team: "Antonio Galloni once noted that Elio Grasso sits at the top echelon of Piedmont producers. We could not agree more and the 2016 single-vineyard cru Barolo Gavarini Chiniera does not disappoint. The nose is marked by classic Nebbiolo character with violets, cherries, plums, and great salinity, which leads into a rich and warm palate of dark berries, wild berries, and Asian spice. The texture and mouthfeel are quite generous upfront and end with firm, chewy, dusty tannins. This will reward many years in the cellar and will compliment a great dry-aged steak when it comes time."

98 Points, Monica Larner, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The Elio Grasso 2016 Barolo Gavarini Chiniera is immediately expressive and bright. The wine is savory and rich with a generous bouquet of dried berries, spice, crushed flowers and even a hint of market-fresh blueberry that we don't see in the other wines. The bouquet moves toward balsam notes with mint and rosemary the longer it stays in the glass. I also get anise flower and fresh licorice root as a pretty signature on the close. With aging in large Slavonian oak casks, the tannic integration is spot-on and so is the freshness and purity of those beautiful Nebbiolo nuances. Some 20,000 bottles were released."

96+ Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2016 Barolo Gavarini Chiniera is a vibrant, massively tannic, austere wine, the likes of which I have never tasted here before. Vertical and explosive in the glass with tons of pure power, the 2016 Gavarini Chiniera is a gorgeous Barolo that is going to need a number of years to be at its best. Swaths of tannin wrap around a core of sweet red cherry fruit. White pepper, mint, orange peel and floral notes develop a bit later, but the 2016 remains reticent and inward, with brilliant acids and tannins that dominate today. The 2016 is a striking wine, but it is going to require considerable patience." 2/20.

97 Points, Kerin O'Keefe, Wine Ethusiast: "This fantastic, focused red opens with enticing scents of rose, woodland berry, forest floor and a balsamic whiff of camphor. It's full bodied and elegantly structured, delivering flavors of ripe morello cherry, raspberry compote, cinnamon and licorice before a hazelnut close. Firm fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity provide the framework. Drink 2024-2046."