Barolo Monprivato, Mascarello Giuseppe e Figlio 2008

The 2008 Barolo Monprivato is understated, classy and very pretty. It comes across as seamless and pure, although it will be quite a few years before the wine is ready. The 2008 is mostly remarkable for its textural finesse and sheer delicateness. Crushed flowers, spices and licorice wrap around the eternal finish. I expect the 2008 will firm up once it is in bottle, but if this sneak preview is any indication, the wine is shaping up beautifully. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2038.

One of the great tastings in Piemonte is sitting down with Mauro Mascarello and his son Giuseppe, and going through all of their wines from barrel. Vintage 2008 is looking good so far. The wines have great transparency to site and plenty of personality. Mascarello planned to bottle the 2008 Baroli during the summer of 2012.