2016 Renato Ratti Rocche dell'Annunziata Barolo, Piedmont

From the first sip, you are made aware of the power and depth of this wine. At the top of the estate portfolio, the Renato Ratti 2016 Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata is the most structured and layered expression, with fruit from one of the flagship vineyards of La Morra. The power of the wine unfolds with dark fruit, cassis and crushed rock. I gave my sample ample aeration, and that made all the difference. I tasted menthol and balsam herb in a fluid and ever-changing exchange. The Conca shows more mineral definition, and the Rocche dell'Annunziata is all about power, depth and length.

I'm not sure when it happened exactly, but the branding of this estate seems to have transitioned from Renato Ratti to Ratti. I mention that for housekeeping purposes, although I have not yet officially changed the name of the estate in our database. To more important topics: I want to underline that this is the finest set of wines I have tasted from Ratti. I double decanted most of my samples and kept them in my cellar (at 55 degrees Fahrenheit) for about a week after they were shipped to me. I found all these samples to be in glorious and pristine condition. The 2016 vintage is a home run for many estates in the Langhe, but the score jump with these Ratti samples is significant and inspiring.

96+ points Monica Larner robertparker.com

Rich and complex in the sensory matrix thanks to the pressed white flowers, orange peel, white pepper, dog rose and the subtle presence of raspberries in the background. Full body, incredibly velvety tannins that caress the palate and a broad finish with a vertical and horizontal nature. Better from 2022.

97 points Raffaele Vecchione WinesCritic.com

Glossy, elegant and full bodied, this beauty opens with aromas of dark berry, menthol, wild rose and exotic spice. The delicious, finessed palate doles out mouthfuls of juicy red cherry, raspberry compote, vanilla and licorice framed in taut, fine-grained tannins. Vibrant acidity keeps it focused and lends youthful tension. Drink 2024–2046

97 points Kerin O'Keefe winemag.com