1997 Barolos

19 October 2018: To prepare for our upcoming trip to Piemonte, we decided to serve a few Barolos to get into the spirit of Piemonte!

1997 Barolo Brunate, Roberto VoerzioThis La Morra-based Barolo delivered a true to form elegance and delicate structure. The bouquet was black plum, blackberries, dried rose petals with some mature balsamic notes. The silky tannins were well-integrated and the wine delivered a sense of harmony and serenity. It's in a beautiful place to be enjoyed now. Drink now and over 3-4 years. 17/20

1997 Barolo Cannubi Boschis, Luciano SandroneHere there was much more riper and sweeter fruit. The core of the bouquet was baked plum, redcurrant, with a noticeable note of tar and mocha. This was a more flamboyant expression than the Voerzio Brunate,with more flesh, more textural fabric and more concentration, but somewhat lacking in finesse. This wine appealed to palates seeking a hedonistic experience. Drink now and over 4-5 years. 17/20

1997 Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata Riserva, Paolo ScavinoThis wine showed an immense depth and a stylish mineral core which was very different from the other two Barolo expressions. There was a core of vibrancy complementing the elegant red fruit and spice notes. A very stylish wine that is drinking very beautifully now. Drink now and over 3-4 years. 17.5/20


Our fourth bottle to join the ranks was:

1998 Barolo Bric del Fiasc, Paolo ScavinoThis revealed a wine with intense ripe black fruit and velvety tannin structure. Notes of tar and liquorice abound. There was a firm structure from this Castiglione Falletto cru. While it was fleshy and opulent, and very enjoyable, it did not deliver the same class as the 1997 Rocche dell'Annunziata Riserva. Drink now and over 4-5 years. 16.5/20

And staying true to the region, we began with a delicious bottle of 2014 Timorasso, Derthona, Vigneti Massa.