10 of the Most Satisfying Barolos

It’s amazing to see the 2012 vintage follow so many excellent years for Barolo. Most of the wines show ripe fruit and a balance of fine tannins that give them form and lustre. They’re not the hard-core tannic and acidic wines that some may prefer, but wines with harmony, flesh and appeal. You’ll be able to enjoy them for many years into the future—as well as right now. James Suckling picks his top 10 of the 2012 vintage after tasting close to 160 wines.

Roberto Voerzio Barolo Sarmassa

Terrific aromas of pure strawberry and orange peel. Spanish cedar undertones. A full body, perfect balance of ripe fruit and lemon with orange peel. Hints of milk chocolate. Vibrant finish. This will be fabulous in three or four years, but difficult not to drink now. 99 points

Ceretto Barolo Bricco Rocche Brunate

Wow—really perfumed and thoughtful, with wonderful depth and purity. A full body, tight and layered. Ultra-fine tannins. Finish is persistent and caressing. A rematch to the superb 2011 but even finer. Drink in 2020. 97 points

Poderi Aldo Conterno Barolo Romirasco

Very earthy and intense, with ripe fruit and hints of bark and mushroom. A full body, powerful and chewy. Great tannin structure. Better in 2020. 97 points

Ceretto Barolo Bricco Rocche

The aromas of rose petal, strawberry and dark fruit are breathtaking. Full-bodied, very fine and tight with a fabulous depth of fruit, yet it remains agile and lively. Polished form. Composed and beautiful. Reminds me of the great 2008. Drink in 2022. 98 points

Pio Cesare Barolo Ornato

Amazingly structured, with tight and polished tannins that give this wine superb linear length and balance. A full body, bright and focused fruit. Goes on for minutes. Beautiful now, but better in 2020. 98 points

Roberto Voerzio Barolo Brunate

Vivid aromas of ripe, almost dry strawberry with fresh roses. Perfumes transform in the glass. A full body plus dusty tannins that are velvety and caressing. Tangy finish. A rich, structured red with a long future. Better in 2020. 97 points

Mauro Molino Barolo Vigna Conca

Insane aromas of fresh roses and crushed strawberry. Full and velvety textured. Loads of fruit, yet the serious tannin backbone of the wine gives it form and tension. Superb. Better in 2020, but who can wait to taste this? 97 points

Vietti Barolo Brunate

The aromas of liquorice, violets and brambleberry impress. A full body, with incredible length and texture. Lasts for minutes on the palate. Give it at least five years to soften. 97 points

E Pira & Figli Chiara Boschis Barolo Cannubi

Pure roses on the nose, raspberry and lemon rind. So pure. A full body, ultra-fine tannins, powerful yet so ethereal and soul-touching. A fabulously crafted Cannubi. Better in 2020. 97 points

La Spinetta Barolo Campè Vürsù

The pure fruit aromas are mind-blowing, with meat, fresh flowers, citrus fruit and sliced strawberry. A full body, ultra-fine tannins. Fabulous texture. Super-subtle fruit and finesse. Drink in 2020, but so entrancing now. 97 points

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