1996 Francesco Rinaldi, Barolo, Vigneto Cannubbio (RT 96) “Vigneto Cannubbio” is the formal name of the wine from a by-gone era, today it’s just known as Cannubi. This is a fabulous vintage for these low elevation vineyards, one that I vastly prefer over warm vintages like 1997 and 2000. This wine speaks volumes about the coolness of the vintage and exemplifies the elegance the winery was moving toward at the time, away from their former rusticness. Its medium garnet hue gives way to a magnificent bouquet layered with dried red cherry, orange zest, dehydrated rose petal and hints of balsam sap. Fall is in the air! With time in the glass the complexity multiplies as layers of sweet dried fruit compote, truffle, smoky tones and minerality fill the glass. The palate is weightless with a perfect balance of fruit, acidity, and tannin. This is so 1996, a complete, overachieving virtuoso punching well above its pay grade! Bravo Francesco Rinaldi! Drink now-2036+