2016 Barolo Riserva, Villero, Vietti

I spent a good amount of time huddled over this fantastic bottle over the course of a few days. This is another masterpiece in a long line of masterpieces from the Villero site in Castiglione Falletto that is definitely a personal MGA favorite. The Vietti 2016 Barolo Riserva Villero can be summed up in a single word: seamless. You immediately recognize the strong personalized style of the wine despite the Vietti ownership changes, although in truth this vintage was still under the guide of Luca and Elena Penna-Currado because the estate was sold in July 2016 and they stayed on to make wines for a few more years to follow. The smoothness of the wine represents a continuum across various chapters of dark fruit, roasted chestnut, iron ore, blood orange, aniseed and white truffle. It does not have the weightlessness of some of today's top Barolo; in fact, quite the opposite: this is a wine of depth, full-bodied texture and smooth transitions. Production is exactly 5,146 bottles, 330 magnums and 15 double magnums. ~ (98) Monica Larner, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 1-30-2025

The 2016 Barolo Riserva Villero is an elegant, polished Barolo. It offers up a beguiling mix of orange peel, cinnamon, dried flowers, cedar, leather and sweet pipe tobacco, all framed by a discreet touch of oak. Time in bottle has softened the tannins a touch. This is beautifully done. ~ (96) Antonio Galloni , Vinous 1-1-2025

This is a very complex Barolo. Reserved at first, it then shows stylish aromas of rhubarb, potpourri, dried cherries, red currants, stony minerality and whiffs of leather and prunes. Full-bodied with tension, good concentration and firm, dusty, yet ripe tannins. Restrained blood orange aftertaste, with acidity that carries the high-flying finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2026. ~ (96) James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 10-11-2024

Deep, lustrous ruby with orange tinges. Still very youthful and tight on the nose while showing great purity of fruit. Perfumed and focused raspberry fruit with succulent acidity and rich, ripe tannins. A thoroughbred kind of wine and just beginning to open up. ~ (18) Walter Speller, JancisRobinson.com 7-12-2024

Complex aromas and flavors of cherry, raspberry, rose, wild herbs, stony mineral and autumn woods are the hallmarks of this elegant red, which is beginning to reveal all of its facets yet is still structured. Leaves a chalky feel of refined tannins on the long finish. Best from 2026 through 2045. 370 cases made, 60 cases imported. ~ (98) Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator 2-28-2025