($110, Consortium Wine and Spirits Imports):  This wine is the vinous equivalent of a hat trick in hockey, which is three goals by the same player in a period.  In this case, it’s three greats — great producer, great vintage, great site.  Carretta is a top Piedmont producer.  The 2016 vintage in Piedmont in general, and Barolo in particular, was outstanding for producing balanced, age-worthy wines.  And Cannubi is arguably Barolo’s best and most famous vineyard.  So, it comes as no surprise that I think highly of this wine.  Its beguiling fragrance – floral and tarry — immediately draws you in.  A plethora of fruity and savory flavors dance on the palate.  But the overall impression is its striking combination of power and elegance.  Like my characterization of Burgundy, this Barolo conveys flavor without weight.  Unlike Burgundy, the tannins hit you in the finish, reminding you that this is a youthful Barolo.
96 Michael Apstein Jul 5, 2022