Barolo Monprivato, Mascarello Giuseppe e Figlio 2013

A perfumed style, boasting floral, cherry, kirsch and licorice flavors. Slightly chewy, yet elegant overall, with fine balance and a lingering finish of macerated cherry, earth and tobacco notes. Shows fine length and intensity, leaving an essence of mineral. Best from 2021 through 2043. 1,941 cases made.

These wines from Mauro Mascarello and his family all need more time to open, but rest assured they are heading down the right path. Like the others, the 2013 Barolo Monprivato is taking its sweet time. The wine opens to a brilliant ruby hue. This beautiful color intensity and even tonality is very characteristic of this cooler vintage. The wine is still on the nervous side, with tight tannins and cooling acidity. But it is also very elegant and fine in terms of its aromatic output. It will gain more volume and intensity with time. My score seeks to underline where this wine will be in a decade or more.