Barolo Monprivato, Mascarello Giuseppe e Figlio 1997

One of Piedmont's perennial stars, particularly in top vintages, Mauro Mascarello's 1997 Barolo Monprivato exhibits a dense ruby/garnet color as well as a sweet nose of cedar, black fruits, earth, tar, and rose petals. The explosive perfume is followed by a rich, seamless, full-bodied, unctuously-textured wine. One of the most precocious and accessible Monprivatos I have ever tasted, the 1997 is the finest since the glorious 1990. Anticipated maturity: now-2015.