2013 Barolo Bricco Viole

Marco Marengo's 2013 Barolo Bricco delle Viole is precise, aromatically expressive and beautifully delineated. Rose petal, sweet red cherry, mint and white pepper give the 2013 its distinctive, lifted personality. Gracious and light on its feet, the 2013 will drink well with minimal cellaring. In 2013, the Bricco delle Viole is the most complete of these Barolos.

Barolo. Tasted blind. Mid ruby with orange tinges. Reluctant nose showing more depth with aeration. Almost a little lightweight on the palate, but with plenty of perfumed fruit and bags of crunchy tannins on the finish. Opens up on the finish. (WS)

The 2013 Barolo Bricco delle Viole is a delicious expression from a lesser-known vineyard that is declared by only three producers including Marco Marengo. This estate produces 5,500 bottles from one hectare of vines. Like Marco's other Barolo wines, this one is fermented with ambient yeasts and undergoes malolactic fermentation in small oak barrel. The wine is aged in new (only 20%) and neutral oak for two years before release. This expression shows excellent depth and generosity with lively fruit flavors that wrap thickly over the palate. This is a complete and centered expression that makes a loud and positive impact, but ultimately follows through with extreme elegance and grace. Jun 2017, www.robertparker.com