2016 Barolo Monvigliero Arnaldo Rivera

A powerful, rich red with plum, hazelnut and chocolate aromas and flavors. It's focused and structured with red fruit, light vanilla and strong tannins. Needs time to soften. Better after 2023.

The Arnaldo Rivera 2016 Barolo Monvigliero represents a blend of fruit from three sites located within the celebrated Monvigliero cru. The vines were planted between 1948 and 1972 in one site, in 1950 in the second and in 2002 in the third. On average, the vineyards are located at 260 meters above sea level. Extended fermentation occurs over three weeks in stainless steel with malolactic fermentation in oak. The finished wine ages in tonneaux and botte grande for 32 months. The character of this wine is savory and earthy, with some truffle essence spread over black fruit and licorice. Like the other wines in this series from Arnaldo Rivera, I think better work could be done with the management of the tannins, which are a bit too rough and bitter at this young stage. Some 5,000 bottles will be released in September 2020.

This chameleon-like red is supple, complex and enticing, featuring a mix of camphor, mint and Aqua Velva aromas, with the second whiff showing pure roses. Cherry and berry flavors are accented by tobacco and earth as this plays out on the lingering finish. Best from 2024 through 2042.