Barolo Ludo

92+: The 2015 Barolo Ludo is the most accessible offering in the Poderi Luigi Einaudi portfolio, and this is absolutely intentional. Fruit is sourced from all the estate's major vineyard sites (the youngest vines), including Cannubi, Terlo and Bussia. The so-called Terrazza parcel that they farm in Cannubi was put into this wine instead of the single-vineyard expression. Ludo has a shorter maceration than the other wines (at 18 to 20 days). This vintage is healthy, dark and exuberant with a full and generous set of aromas that span from dark fruit to cola and balsam herb. Mint and eucalyptus also appear. By the way, this wine comes with some really cool cardboard packaging. The bottle is hidden in what looks like children's building blocks.

The 2015 Barolo Ludo is a gorgeous entry-level bottling from Einaudi. Fruity, supple and engaging, the Ludo is a terrific choice for drinking now and over the next decade or so. Succulent red cherry, plum and sweet spice notes are all pushed forward. The Ludo is built on a core of fruit from Terlo, with smaller pieces from Cannubi, Bussia and Zuncai. Shorter fermentations exalt the fruit.