Elio Altare Elio Altare Barolo Unoperuno 2016 750ml

The 2016 Barolo Unoperuno explodes from the glass with striking aromatic intensity, inner perfume and brilliant fruit. The 2016 is a blend of co-fermented fruit from Arborina, Cerretta, Cannubi and Liste, bringing together elements of traditional and modern schools in a gorgeous Barolo that hits all the right notes. In a word: stunning! (Antonio Galloni)

The Elio Altare 2016 Barolo Unoperuno is a special wine with a high price tag that is explained by the manual labor required for its creation. “Uno per uno” means “one at a time” in Italian, and the fruit, the actual individual berries, are selected by hand during a super precise sorting operation. It represents a blend of Arborina in La Morra, Cannubi in Barolo, Pernanno in Castiglione Falletto, Sarmassa in Barolo and Cerretta in Serralunga d’Alba. This is a grounded and powerful wine (with a potent 15.5% alcohol content). It reveals cherry cough drop, blackberry preserves and candied orange peel. There is smoke and spice acquired during two years of oak aging. A precious few 1,200 bottles were produced, berry by berry.

A beam of pure cherry is matched by aromas and flavors of late summer fields, woodsy underbrush, licorice and tar. This is supple in texture and nicely supported by refined tannins and lively acidity. Best from 2022 through 2038. 100 cases made, 25 cases imported. (Bruce Sanderson)