Fruit from Perno in Monforte d'Alba brings on the power, and you can't escape it in the 2016 Barolo Perno Vigna Santo Stefano. The Mascarello family planted two more hectares of vines in Santo Stefano, and they also replanted a segment that they acquired in 2010 that had been damaged by erosion. They built an incredible terrace that adds another six meters of vineyard and that hangs over an impossibly tall retaining wall. This is a profound and beautiful expression that offers a lot of brawn and muscle, with a 15% alcohol content. The fruit is dark and savory, focused on plum and black cherry. The aromas don't hold back, and the wine immediately reveals its winning cards. This Barolo is darker in character with lingering tones of resin, tar and smoke. I suggest holding this bottle to the 10-year mark at a minimum.