2019 Barolo Monvigliero Luigi Einaudi 300 cl.

Here's an exciting new project from Poderi Luigi Einaudi that I have been looking forward to tasting ever since I learned this historic winery was lucky enough to secure fruit in what is surely the most sought-after MGA in the appellation, Monvigliero in Verduno. The 2019 Barolo Monvigliero Stefano Arienti 125 Anniversary Collection (with a minimalist artistic front label) needs time to open because the wine is rather closed on first nose. With coaxing and patience, it eventually opens to pressed rose, iris root, white licorice and wild berry. The tannins are grippy and tight. I went back to taste this wine several times from an open bottle over the course of 24 hours.

Ripe dark-skinned fruit, cardamom, violet and new leather aromas lift out of the glass on this full-bodied, fragrant red. Structured and elegant, the enveloping palate offers ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, nutmeg and star anise wrapped in firm, fine-grained tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced.

Perfumed and attractive with orange peel and dried strawberries. Fresh roses as well. Lovely delicacy to the vintage with finesse and beauty. Creamy and fine-tannined. Bright finish. Drinkable but much better in 2026.

Deep ruby red with garnet highlights. Very perfumed with aromas of both fresh flowers and pungent faded violet complicated by apricot and lemon: you can smell the 30% whole bunches here. Then very surprising in the mouth, because of its more massive than usual mouthfeel (for a Monvigliero wine, no less) but finishes long and layered. Not quite as elegant as other Barolos Monviglieros you may have tried but lovey. The label is that of the artist Stefano Arienti that harkens back to Giulio Romano’s famous works.