2013 Accomasso Barolo Riserva Vigneto Rocchette

The 2013 Barolo Riserva Rocche dell’Annunziata is one of the best wines I have tasted from Lorenzo Accomasso. Bright and punchy, with tremendous persistence, the 2013 marries La Morra sensuality with classicism to a degree that is compelling. Moreover, the harsh notes and rusticity that once so severely penalized these wines are less of an issue with each passing vintage. Ripe dark red/plum fruit, mocha, spice, leather, iron and licorice open in the glass. More importantly, the 2013 Riserva is a style of Barolo meant to be enjoyed mature, with a whole complement of tertiary notes that develop over long aging. It's not a crime to open a bottle young, but to get the full Accomasso experience, readers should wait until the 2013 is at least 15-20 years old.