Retasted: 2016 Barolo Neirane, Agostino Bosco

Life in the ol' Larkin yet?! Almost two years ago to the day, Simon was congratulating himself on uncovering a very under the radar Barolo producer in Agostino Bosco. And a Barolo from the lesser known Cru of Neirane. And in the exceptional 2016 vintage.

I had a bottle earlier this week; it was absolutely beautiful. Aromatic, scented, seamless and poised. Expressive fruit, fine, integrated tannins. As Monica Larner highlights, it captures everything that makes the Barolo of Verduno stand out - silky, floral, elegant.

Two years ago Simon (and Monica Larner) suggested it was almost ready to drink. I can confirm that now it very much is, even if it will continue to give drinking pleasure for another five years or more. Sometimes though - and with November having arrived in September this year - why wait?

Neirane is in the northern Barolo commune of Verduno, whose wines are renowned for elegance and refinement on account of the more sandy soils that dominate here. (Verduno is home to the Cru vineyard of Monvigliero, which is now touted as being one of the great sites in Barolo.) The commune is generally higher and cooler with the 400 metre altitude and westerly aspect accounting for this and explaining why, historically, production went into blends. Now, in the era of generally warmer vintages, these factors are its strength, allowing wines of refinement and silky finesse.

The winemaking style is reassuringly traditional, with ageing taking place in large Slavonian oak botti for 23-24 months.

Agostino Bosco should be better known, but, luckily for you, it isn't! Your eyes do not deceive you; the price here is indeed for a dozen bottles. £360 per 12 bottle case in bond.





2016 Barolo, Neirane, Agostino Bosco

£360 per 12 bottle case in bond

Revealing the garnet hue that is so typical of Nebbiolo, with a translucence to the rim, the 2016 Neirane has an immediately engaging set of aromatics; floral/violet, dark cherry, loganberry as well as a note that makes me think of autumnal leaves. Already complex, the mid-weight palate is expressive, exuding a silky elegance and a combination of classic notes – dark cherry, pomegranate, exotic spice, mint as well as tangy blood orange notes. The tannins are gentle allowing the fruit to come to the fore – this is an accessible, elegant, supple Barolo that could be broached now or allowed to mature for another 7 or 8 years. It is fascinating to taste a lesser-known Cru and the overriding impression here is of Verduno elegance with a enlivening freshness yet the core of fruit you would expect of such a vintage. (SL) Drink now to 2030.

92 points, Monica Larner, robertparker.com, July 2020
With fruit from Verduno, the Agostino Bosco 2016 Barolo Neirane shows the silky, floral and elegant personality that is the signature of this Barolo subzone. The wine builds on the senses, starting off with delicate aromas that rise in intensity as the wine takes on air in the glass. Despite that careful aromatic build up, the wine delivers tannic firmness and sharpness to the palate. Those tannins are youthful and textured, and the wine will need more time to flesh out and soften with cellar aging. 2024-2040.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Take care,

Richard