Azelia’s elegant 2016 Barolos | Bottles & magnums drinking beautifully this winter
Azelia is a standout Barolo producer and an unbeatable source of sensibly priced, site-specific wines. As Antonio Galloni writes, "Azelia remains one of the undiscovered jewels in Barolo. The wines have been terrific for some time, and prices are exceedingly fair considering the quality of what goes into the bottle”.
2016 is considered one of the best vintages in the history of Barolo. A recent tasting reminded us just how beautiful the 2016s from Azelia are and, while they will age sensationally, we found that couple of hours in the decanter revealed their hidden depths. They are just entering their long drinking window, meaning that collectors and drinkers alike will find enormous pleasure in these wines.
2016 Barolo Azelia
£325.00 In Bond £428.47 Inc VAT £325.00 In Bond-
Antonio Galloni, February 2000, Score: 93
Azelia's 2016 Barolo is a blend of fruit from two parcels in Castiglione Falletto and five in Serralunga, with the character of Serralunga especially felt in the wine's tannic grip and persistence. Iron, sage, mint, smoke and wild cherry give the Barolo striking aromatic nuance and complexity, all in the mid-weight style that is such a signature at this address. The purity of the fruit is just striking. Stated simply, this is a tremendous wine in its peer group.
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James Suckling, September 2020, Score: 94
This is an ultra fine Barolo with cherries, spice, cedar and hints of dried flowers on the nose and palate. It’s full-bodied, yet reserved, very caressing and fine-grained. A thoroughly beautiful young 2016. Drink or hold.
2016 Barolo San Rocco Azelia
£330.00 In Bond £415.24 Inc VAT-
Antonio Galloni, November 2019, Score: 94
Azelia's 2016 Barolo San Rocco shows terrific density and richness, but it is less aromatically expressive than most of the other 2016s in the range. Readers will have to give this at least a few years in bottle for the tannins to soften. Even in the early going, though, the 2016 is deep, powerful and loaded with pedigree. Now that most of Azelia's wines are aged in cask, the influence of small French oak is especially evident. Drink 2023-2041.
2016 Barolo San Rocco Azelia
£135.00 In Bond £168.41 Inc VAT-
Antonio Galloni, November 2019, Score: 94
Azelia's 2016 Barolo San Rocco shows terrific density and richness, but it is less aromatically expressive than most of the other 2016s in the range. Readers will have to give this at least a few years in bottle for the tannins to soften. Even in the early going, though, the 2016 is deep, powerful and loaded with pedigree. Now that most of Azelia's wines are aged in cask, the influence of small French oak is especially evident. Drink 2023-2041.
2016 Barolo Margheria Azelia
£330.00 In Bond £415.24 Inc VAT-
Antonio Galloni, November 2019, Score: 95+
The 2016 Barolo Margheria shows the natural weight and gravitas of Serralunga in its dark flavor profile and textural resonance. Black cherry, plum, lavender, spice, mint, chalk and bright saline notes are all laced throughout. Deceptive in its mid-weight structure, the 2016 possesses tremendous persistence and class to burn. Wilder suggestions of sage and lavender add savory top notes, while searing tannins punctuate the finish. Drink 2024-2041.
2016 Barolo Margheria Azelia
£135.00 In Bond £168.41 Inc VAT-
Antonio Galloni, November 2019, Score: 95+
The 2016 Barolo Margheria shows the natural weight and gravitas of Serralunga in its dark flavor profile and textural resonance. Black cherry, plum, lavender, spice, mint, chalk and bright saline notes are all laced throughout. Deceptive in its mid-weight structure, the 2016 possesses tremendous persistence and class to burn. Wilder suggestions of sage and lavender add savory top notes, while searing tannins punctuate the finish. Drink 2024-2041.
