2018 Barolo R56, Agricola Brandini

From a cool hilltop site that ripens a full month later than Annunziata, R56 is the most structured of the estate’s wines. In keeping with the house style, however, the 2018 is expressive and by no means austere. It was vinified with a nicely-judged 35% whole bunches, delivering aromatic lift and softer tannins. An emblematic wine for Brandini and a “modern” Barolo in a strictly positive sense of the word. Drinking window: 2025-2035