Barolo Rocche Vietti 1996

Vietti Barolo Rocche 1996 is a full-bodied Nebbiolo red wine from the Barolo appellation of Piedmont, northern Italy. The grapes for this wine are grown in one of the historic vineyards of the Barolo area, Rocche in Castiglione Falletto. The vines were planted in 1940, 1950 and 1968. The vineyard`s southeasterly exposure combined with the high planting density adopted by Vietti produces especially concentrated Nebbiolo grapes yielding concentrated, powerful Narolo wines. "The mid to late 1990s were a period of considerable change in Piedmont, as the differences between traditional and more modern-leaning producers were especially marked during this time. The 1996 Barolo Rocche is dark, virile and imposing, all signatures of this super-classic vintage. Rose petal and tar notes give the 1996 much of its captivating appeal. The 1996 is the one wine in this tasting that did not respond well to aeration. In my view, the 1996 was never as beautiful as it was when the bottles were first opened. Readers lucky enough to own the 1996 are in for a fabulous experience, although I would suggest waiting another few years for the wine to come into its prime." Vinous, 2016