Barolo Ester Canale Rosso Vigna Rionda

Initially, I didn't quite enjoy this wine. The dominant aromas of amaro, curiosity cola, and caramel felt somewhat simplistic, though appealing. On the palate, it was rather challenging to drink---extremely tannic, reminiscent of overbrewed red (aka black) tea. However, this wine was full of surprises, and watching it develop and unfold in the glass, even after nearly 90 minutes in the decanter, was fascinating. And we didn't rush.

It is quite austere and densely packed but boasts a beautiful bouquet of spices, tart cherries, stones, iron, and red flowers. Over time, the texture became soft and juicy with impressively high acidity, even a hint of salinity, accompanied by long, gripping tannins and a finish of strawberries, wood, earth, dried berries, spices, and dried herbs. It has an excellent structure, a long metallic aftertaste, and is a remarkable wine that surprises with its transformations.