Rose, dark-spice and menthol aromas shape the nose. The aromas follow over to the focused palate along with sour cherry and licorice while taut, fine-grained tannins and bright acidity provide support. Drink after 2026.
The 2016 Barolo Bussia is laced with a whole range of sweet floral and balsamic overtones, along with striking underpinnings of structure and tannin that give the wine its shape. A wine of energy, tension and nuance, the Bussia is just superb in 2016. Time in the glass brings out its ample, expansive richness. I can't wait to see how it ages.
This wine is rich and supple, its flavors of warmed dark cherry edged in notes of anise and smoke. A bright core of acidity lifts and energizes the flavors, drawing out lingering spice notes on the finish
Einaudi’s first release from the Bussia MGA, this hails specifically from the revered slope of Bussia Soprana. Initially restrained, traces of strawberry and raspberry come gradually into focus. At the moment the seduction is all on the palate, where layers of long, fine tannins drape over luscious, pure fruit. Mouthfilling and rich without being dense or heavy, this charming Barolo lingers with accents of sage blossom and incense. Since taking the helm, fourth-generation Marco Sardagna Einaudi has introduced a more delicate press and porous cement tanks for fermentation and post ageing in wood in the quest for a more elegant expression.
The purity of fruit is impressive here with dried strawberries and raspberries with hints of dried flowers. It’s medium-to full-bodied, racy and polished. Drinkable now, but a few years will make it even better.
Complex and satisfying for its licorice, cherry, strawberry, eucalyptus and earth aromas and flavors. Harmonious and elegant, it expands on the finish with cut hay, tobacco and tea accents.
Radiant ruby red core with flint on the rim. Savoury nose of hung meat and pepper, then rich ripe raspberries and hints of dried roses, needs some air. At the palate compact with dark, shy berry fruit, complex and layered. Takes time to open and will need decanting. This is a wine that will benefit hugely from further ageing in bottle.
Bussia! Considered to be among the very best Barolo crus and known for producing nebbiolo wines of great structure, concentration, and complexity...all things this graceful and persistent wine has in great supply! Add on the great press from the critics, the remarkable 2016 vintage, and our fantastic savings of over 30% OFF, and you have a Barolo worthy of any great collection!
Luigi Einaudi is the founder of this estate, still run generations later by his family (they just celebrated 125 years!). He would go on to become famous for far more than his wines, as he became Italy’s first-ever president, shortly after the conclusion of World War II. The estate is situated in the Monforte d’Alba, in the pristine cru territory of Bussia – the first ever Barolo cru to be vinified and labeled as a single district wine back in 1961.
Over the last decade, there been a rising sentiment that the region of Bussia has grown larger than should be allotted – a marketing exploitation that is tarnishing the overall reputation of quality of this revered cru. Traditionalists maintain that the keys to Bussia’s greatness are the south/southwest exposures on the hillsides, which should fall in the elevation of 300 - 450 meters above sea level, and only on the mineral-rich, calcareous marl soils and famous Diano sandstones that differentiate Barolo from nearby Barbaresco. An increased number of producers have begun to delineate the Bussia region a step further, as these preferred traits are found in the unofficial sub-region known as Bussia Soprana. While not notated on the bottle, this Luigi Einaudi bottling enjoys all of these desirable features, and when paired with the traditional winemaking and farming practices at the estate – the result is a truly classic style of Bussia Soprana, showcasing all the elements that make this cru such a flagship of traditional Barolo.
The aromas open with pretty red fruits of raspberries and pomegranates, alongside earthy and savory notes of bay laurel, anise seed, dried rose, and peppery smoked beef. The flavors are more of the same, with added notes of strawberries, morello cherries, tobacco, and Earl Grey tea. The concentration, length, and imposing structure are all noteworthy, and, as good as this wine is now, it is certainly one that will greatly benefit from a few more years in bottle (with a range of up to three decades, should you so choose!). Just a fantastic effort from a classic, and tiny, producer that shouldn’t be missed! Seriously, only about 250 cases of this wine were crafted, and very little made it to export. We got all we could, and now, it’s your turn!
About the Producer
The Luigi Einaudi Barolo winery, nestled in the picturesque Langhe region of Piedmont, Italy, was founded in 1897 by Luigi Einaudi, who later became the first democratically elected President of Italy. Initially a small family operation, the estate began with a modest vineyard in Dogliani, specializing in Dolcetto. Over the years, Luigi's passion for winemaking and dedication to quality led to the expansion of the vineyards, including the acquisition of prime plots in the Barolo region. Today, the winery spans over 150 hectares and is renowned for its exceptional Barolo wines, which embody the rich history and terroir of the region. The Einaudi family continues to honor Luigi's legacy, combining traditional winemaking practices with modern techniques to produce wines celebrated for their elegance, complexity, and depth. The winery remains a symbol of Italian excellence, deeply rooted in the heritage and culture of Piedmont.