Francesco Rinaldi & Figli 2018 Barolo Rocche Dell'Annunziata, Piedmont

Just outside the town of Barolo and right next to the famous Cannubi vineyard lies the historic cantina of Francesco Rinaldi & Figli, one of a handful of remaining traditional Barolo producers.
Grandfather Giovanni created the winery in 1870, after inheriting a vineyard in Barolo and walking there from his native Diano d’Alba. The family began bottling wine under its own name in 1906. Grandson Luciano Rinaldi and now his niece Paola Rinaldi continue the traditions started almost 140 years ago. They farm 10 hectares (25 acres) of vineyards and purchase an additional 10-15% of grapes from growers with whom they have long-term relationships.
The family’s wines include three Barolos, a Barbaresco, a Dolcetto d’Alba, and a rare Grignolino d’Asti. The jewels in the crown are their two Barolo crus Cannubbio and Le Brunate, two of the most famous vineyards in the entire Barolo zone.
The wine-making is traditional – long fermentation and aging in large Slavonian oak barrels (botti) – and impeccably clean. The wines are above all elegant and refined. “Classic” is an over-used descriptor for the wines of the classic Barolo zone, but in this case the description definitely fits.

94+ Monica Larner Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: This is a new submission from Francesco Rinaldi & Figli. The 2018 Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata is loaded with ripe fruit, spice, tar and black licorice. This is a beautiful wine, and like the other Barolos in this portfolio, you would do well to give it time. Open the bottle in advance. Those characteristic La Morra tannins are slightly softer and silkier, but the wine is adequately stacked for long cellar aging.