1999 Barolo Rocche di Brovia
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 1999 Barolo Rocche dei Brovia is another super-classic wine. A firm, tannic wine when it was first released, the 1999 has developed into a gorgeous, polished Barolo. Sweet floral notes, red stone fruits, mint, spices and iron inform the finish in a tannic, structured Barolo that will drink well for at least another decade. The 1999 is vivid, precise and crystalline. Think of it as a modern-day 1982 or a more refined version of 1996. Interestingly, this is another vintage that flew under the radar for some years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 1999 Barolo Rocche dei Brovia is just beginning to show early signs of tertiary complexity and nuance. Dried cherries, tobacco, mint, leather and anise are all finely-knit in this pretty, delicate Barolo. The 1999 is in a great place today where the tannins have begun to melt away, while the aromatics show quite a bit of tertiary nuance. At the same time, there is plenty of fruit to allow the 1999 to age nicely for a number of years.
Medium red. Readers looking for a 1999 Barolo that is drinking beautifully today should not miss this outstanding effort from Brovia. The Rocche opens with a stunning nose of roses, tar, licorice, menthol and tobacco followed by a delicate core of sweet red cherry fruit with exceptional length and fine, silky tannins. Though medium in body, there is plenty of supporting structure, suggesting it will drink well to at least age 20. It is an understated, yet incredibly refined expression of Nebbiolo from one of Barolo's top sites. A great showing.
The 1999 Barolo Rocche, from a Castiglione Falletto cru with sandy soil and a southeastern exposure, famous for its aromatic fragrance and finesse, could not be more true to type. Red berry fruit, licorice, graphite, and essence of roses waft and caress the nostrils, and the stylish flavors, silky tannins, and sensual texture are of significant length and persistence. Not a powerhouse, but oh so seductive, this should be drunk between 2005 and 2016. Importer: Rosenthal Wine Merchant Ltd., Pine Plains, NY; tel. (800) 910-1990