2016 Poderi Marcarini La Serra Barolo 750 ml

Marcarini is a master of traditionally made Barolo, a historic La Morra pillar whose cru Barolos have held Old World collectors in rapt attention for decades, and, according to Wine Advocate, “they rarely fail to deliver the goods.” With their 2016 La Serra—which inspired a 97-point review from James Suckling—Marcarini delivered the goods plus a whole lot more. 

That 97-point rave is the best ever for the long-celebrated Marcarini, one sure to galvanize a buying spree from Barolo devotees and the winery’s loyal legions. But we got in ahead of the game, securing 55 cases for Wine Access members. 

We have been massive fans of Marcarini for years, and we eagerly anticipate each release. But out of all the La Serra expressions we’ve tried, this one shows exceptional depth. A 97-point Barolo from a blue-chip producer and a world-renowned terroir at that price is a true rarity.

As one of the most celebrated sites in famed Barolo village of La Morra, Marcarini’s La Serra vineyard is the very definition of  the “best of the best.” High on a hill (just above Marcarini’s lauded Brunate vineyard) La Serra’s winds and mineral-salt soils lend Nebbiolo grapes a unique levity, elegance, and perfume. 

Marcarini is synonymous with the village of La Morra. They were one of the village’s first producers to bottle and market single-site Barolo. If you were to visit La Morra in the 1800s, you wouldn’t even be able to enter without walking by their winery, which is located at the original entrance to the village, with cellars directly underneath. Despite their stature, they still stand as an incredible bargain: As Antonio Galloni of Vinous puts it, “Marcarini remains one of the best values in traditionally made, cellar-worthy Barolo.”

Out of the many Barolos we’ve tried in the past, the 2016 La Serra stood out for its beautiful finesse, coming together in a way Wine Enthusiast described as “ethereally elegant.” Its aromas flutter up in layers—red fruit, rose petal, and sweet incense, giving way to licorice and spiced tobacco—while the expansive palate’s roots weave through cranberry, strawberry, tanned leather, and crushed walnuts. All of the depth Barolo is famous for, but with the poise and splendor that only La Serra can elicit.   

The 2016 vintage was an absolute beauty for Barolo, wines Galloni called: “not just epic, they are career-defining wines.” With exceptional grapes in hand, Marcarini did what they’ve been doing for years—produced consummate Barolo expressions, some of the best they’ve made yet.

Quality cellars are built on wines like this: Top producer, stellar vintage, exceptional cru, and a price that begs you to put away multiple bottles.