Barolo M8, Margherita Otto 2017

The 2017 Barolo is a very pretty wine. Perfumed aromatics, distinctly red-toned fruit and mid-weight structure are the signatures. Readers will find a gracious, perfumed Barolo that is more finesse than power. There is plenty of tannin, so a few years in the cellar are warranted. Moreover, the 2017 does not show some of the small flaws of the 2016, although it is naturally the product of a less favorable growing season. This is a terrific showing. (Drink between 2023-2032)

The Margherita Otto 2017 Barolo reveals an elegant, medium-weight approach with a generous bouquet of dark cherry, plum, blue flower and licorice root. I love the intensity of the bouquet that hints at the vintage heat and dryness but also leaves ample room for the Nebbiolo grape to express itself in an uninterrupted and transparent manner. The mouthfeel is lean, and the tannins are young, so count on a few more years of cellar aging for this release of 4,600 bottles.