1996 Barolo Cannubi
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 1996 Barolo Cannubi is now fully mature. The mocha, tar, chocolate, spice, mushroom and beef bouillon notes are those of a wine that has reached the final stage of its life. There is enough depth to allow the 1996 to drink well for another few years, but there is no upside to cellaring bottles further. The 1996 is a bit of a one-off wine for Einaudi, as they bought the wine in barrel as part of their acquisition of the vineyard from Gancia in 1997.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The opaque ruby/purple-colored 1996 Barolo Cannubi is a powerfully built, uncompromising wine with huge extract, brawny earthy, cherry, licorice, and tobacco flavors, and high levels of tannin. It is a traditionally made Barolo that requires a decade of cellaring. Everything is present for future brilliance, but patience will be essential. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900
Full bright ruby. Very perfumed aroma of spicy, floral dark berries. Then full and dense but unforthcoming in the mouth, and dominated by its strong backbone. With aeration, this Barolo showed intriguing hints of nuts, underbrush, amaretto and vanilla. The big, chewy tannins currently shorten the wine finish.