Giovanni Canonica Barolo Del Comune di Grinzane Cavour 2015

Not through design, but by word of mouth Canonica’s wines have become cult objects among Nebbiolo lovers. For those who know, Canonica is one of Barolo’s quiet greats, a producer whose wines combine haunting aromatics, character and ageing potential in equal measure. Everything is done the old way. Organic farming, no chemicals, spontaneous fermentations, long macerations, and ageing in large Slavonian oak. The result is a style that feels both deeply traditional and strikingly individual.

Fewer than 1,000 bottles of this Barolo are produced each year, from a minuscule plot of less than one hectare of 50-year-old vines inherited from Gianni’s wife’s family.

92-95/100 - The 2015 Barolo Grinzane Cavour is absolutely captivating. Deceptive in its mid-weight approach, the 2015 possesses terrific cut and plenty of nuance. Rose petal, mint, sweet red cherry, sage and blood orange are some of the many notes that grace this exquisitely beautiful, expressive Barolo from Giovanni Canonica. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous