1989 Barolo Vigna Roul Riserva

The 1989 Barolo Riserva d'La Roul is dominated by toasty new oak aromas. Once past this, the wine offers spectacular concentration, plenty of intensity and body, and a closed, but modern international style. With more time in the bottle the oakiness should be less intrusive. This is clearly an outstanding wine. Drink it between the late nineties and 2015. This excellent, sometimes superb producer rarely receives the publicity he merits. I have long thought that Valentino's 1978 Barolo Riserva is about as classic a Barolo as one could find. The 1982s and 1985s (tasted, but never reviewed) were also excellent. While the 1990s were not presented for tasting, three bottles of 1989s proved to be dramatic, head-turning wines with considerable richness and personality. Importer: Robert Chadderdon Imports, New York, NY.