2014 Massolino, Barolo, Parafada

Playing true to type, the 2014 Barolo Parafada is a bit more powerful and dense through the middle than the other Serralunga Barolos in the range. Deep and concentrated - especially in the context of the year - the Parafada presents an intriguing mélange of sweet tobacco, mint, dried cherry and underbrush nuances before the firm, sinewy Serralunga tannins make their presence known. The Parafada is not as refined as the other wines in the lineup, but it has a certain immediacy that is undeniably appealing. I would give it a few years to unwind.

This cru in Serralunga d'Alba delivers a slightly softer, richer and more accessible expression of Nebbiolo. The 2014 Barolo Parafada is bursting with dark fruit that rushes the senses with delightful waves of dark fruit intensity. The wine does boast very firm structure with a crisp tannic bite. It surely needs to soften with more bottle aging, but I don't think you need to wait too long either. Only 4,800 bottles were made.

Serralunga d’Alba. Just mid ruby. Hints of oatmeal and raspberry and a hint of liquorice. Lots of depth and at the same time super-lithe and elegant. Redcurrant and raspberry palate with gorgeous mouth-filling, coating tannins. (WS)

Vibrant sour cherry with a lot of liquorice and tar on the palate. Great typicality, though there is also a sort of herbal bitterness here which seems a bit underripe. Tight-grained structure. (RH)