Oddero, Luigi 2016 Barolo Convento

The fruit for this '16 Barolo came primarily from east and south-east facing plots in La Morra, with some Nebbiolo from east facing vines in the Barolo commune. The wine was fermented in stainless steel with a 25 day maceration on the skins, before aging in large Slavonian oak casks for 2 years. The Convento '16 is a lightly bricking cherry in the glass when the bottle is first opened but fills out into a brilliant, deep, clear red hue after an hour of air. It begins distinctly minty, with raspberry and red plum. A little clove and milled coffee bean waft over a woodsy smell of stripped bark. Over time, sweet orange peel, pungent roses, and candied strawberry appear, adding richness and pleasant aromatic dimension. The palate has a bright, mineral core - but also real juiciness. Flavors of zingy red apple and cranberry begin a little pinched, but quickly fall on the tongue like a wave of healthy fruit. The wine finishes on a serious note, with a hint of menthol and a dash of black tea. Fantastic, semi-chewy Nebbiolo tannin and firm acidity are long lasting. Drink now through 2030.