Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
First produced in 2013, this is the top-shelf wine from Boroli made with fruit from Castiglione Falletto. The Boroli 2016 Barolo Brunella opens to a pretty garnet color and a soft, mid-weight approach. Compared to the other new releases in this portfolio, the Brunella offers a more delicate and fragile elegance without the heavier oak signature that we saw in the other Barolo. The bouquet opens slowly to reveal wild rose, cherry, blood orange and ferrous earth. The fruit is presented with focus and precision, and after a little while in the glass, the bouquet throws out some light toast and spice. This is a nicely balanced Barolo.
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James Suckling
Cherries and berries with hints of cedar and dried flowers follow through to a medium body, round tannins and a juicy finish. Drink now or hold.
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Wine Spectator
The vivid structure, supple texture and flavors of plum, eucalyptus, soy and spice come together nicely in this compact red. Dense, refined tannins line the finish but it tails off a little in the end.
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Wine Enthusiast
Subtle aromas of cedar, espresso and dark-skinned berry emerge from the glass. The firm palate delivers blackberry jam, mocha and vanilla alongside tightly wound tannins. Drink 2023–2030.
Attracting the most glory, prestige and fame to the Piedmont region, Nebbiolo in all of its expressions—Barolo, Barbaresco, Roero, Ghemme and Gattinara—creates a complex wine, truly unique for its delicate qualities combined with strength and a great potential to improve over time.
But Nebbiolo isn’t all there is to red wine from Piedmont! Barbera is the most planted variety and historically most popular as a dependable, food-friendly, everyday wine.
Beyond these two, a surprising number of red varieties call Piedmont their home. Worth a try include Dolcetto for its bold concentration and aromas of spice cake. Other grapes to investigate include Freisa, Croatina, Brachetto, Grignolino and Pelaverga.