When people discuss Barolo, they talk about Renato Ratti. A local and international icon, Renato revolutionized Barolo wine, setting quality standards and taking part in writing the law that now enforces the rules of the Barolo appellation.

A highly prestigious vineyard, which Renato Ratti classified as a first growth, Rocche dell'Annunziata is a part of the territory once known as Marcenasco, which fell under the jurisdiction of the Benedictine abbey of San Martino. 

The Barolo Marcenasco is aged in large casks, whereas the 2013 Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata sees a mix of smaller wood and barrique instead for a more robust and opulent style. This approach works very nicely across from the hearty intensity and austerity displayed by the Rocche dell'Annunziata fruit. This wine is beautifully redolent of dark cherry and spice with lingering notes of balsam and medical herb that add focus to the wine's already fragrant bouquet. This vintage will require patience. The wine is hard-headed and stubborn now. It needs time to relax with age. Rating: 95 Points; Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate

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