Cogno/Elvio Barolo Ravera Bricco Pernice 2016

100 points Wine & Spirits: "Valter Fissore’s 2016 Barolo Ravera Bricco Pernice is a tour de force, taking the power, balance and elegance of his 2016 Barolo Ravera (98 points, W&S 12/20) to an even higher level. The wine bursts from the glass with aromas of rose petal, violet and mint that are fresh and high toned, beautifully representative of the outstanding 2016 vintage. The five-acre Bricco Pernice plot sits near the top of a south-facing hill in the Ravera cru, and in the long, even growing season of 2016, its preponderance of old vines (75 percent are more than 50 years of age) lends a depth and resonance to the herb-inflected dark-cherry flavors. The wine has an inner brightness and lift that propel those flavors across the palate as they gain notes of raspberry, licorice and orange peel. Cool, ferrous tannins outline the vivid fruit tones, creating a precise, chiseled effect: Each flavor is clearly defined, yet all are in perfect harmony. The tension between subtle power and exuberant energy in the 2016 Bricco Pernice is a thrill that every Barolo lover should experience. (Aug 2021)"

97 points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "Amplified and spiced aromatics lift from the 2016 Barolo Ravera Bricco Pernice, with notes of tar, cinnamon, dried currant, and fresh sage. Flush with mid-palate fruit, it also has driving acidity and gripping structure, noted by plum skin, tea leaf, and burnt orange. Defined with persistence and angular structure, the 2016 is one to hold 3-5 years and drink 2024-2046. Drink: 2024-2046. (May 2021)"

97 points Decanter: "Cogno’s Valter Fissore has come out with a magnificent set of distinct 2016 Baroli demonstrating the multifaceted Ravera cru. Among the first to be picked, Bricco Pernice is a warm, south-facing parcel sitting at 320 metres. Limestone-rich clay gives an ample, powerful wine that needs years to come into its own. Still brooding and firm, there are no hard edges, and this is already showing great class and detail. Vigorous, chalky tannins wrap around profound fruit depths of salted plum and macerated cherry. The explosive and expressive finish unfolds with liquorice, mint, potpourri and blood orange. To be released early spring 2021. Drinking Window: 2025-2041. (Nov 2020)"

97 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "The 2016 Barolo Ravera Bricco Pernice is a serious wine, and I mean that both in terms of its complex sophistication and its rather austere and brooding personality. The bouquet is redolent of dark fruit, wild plum and redcurrant, but there is plenty more at the back, with iron ore, crushed stone, camphor ash and licorice. Those sharply contoured lines could be from nowhere else but the classic 2016 vintage, and you recognize its many merits right off the bat. It offers ample depth, nuance and power. Only 5,000 bottles exist, unfortunately. Drink: 2024-2045. (Jun 2021)"

97 points Kerin O'Keefe (Wine Enthusiast): "This gorgeous red has enticing aromas of rose, iris, woodland berry, camphor and truffle. Full-bodied and savory, the enveloping palate doles out raspberry compote, licorice, baking spice and tobacco alongside firm, refined tannins and bright acidity. A minty note lingers on the close. (Sep 2021)"

97 points James Suckling: "Aromas of dried roses, asphalt and orange peel follow through to a full body with a solid yet silky tannin texture to the clear, vivid fruit. Goes on for minutes. A subtle and very structured red. Drink after 2024. (7/2/21)"

96 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2016 Barolo Bricco Pernice is absolutely gorgeous. The pedigree of the year comes through in the wine's depth and stature. What a knockout. Ripe black cherry, lavender, spice, menthol, licorice, orange peel and rose petal are some of the many aromas and flavors that develop as the 2016 opens in the glass. Readers should be in no rush here. The 2016 is absolutely stellar. Drink: 2025-2037. (Feb 2021)"