2015 Barolo Bricco Ambrogio

The 2015 Barolo Bricco Ambrogio is Scavino's cru from this northeastern-most vineyard in the Barolo appellation, in the village of Roddi, and comprises seven hectares of mostly Nebbiolo but also some Dolcetto and Barbera. These vines with their southeastern exposure are not protected from the elements very well, allowing for more diurnal temperature shifts. Therefore, this site always produces much fresher fruit flavors. Indeed, you get noticeably crunchy, tonic fruit here along with a more detailed aromatic portrait. The wine is more precise compared to Monvigliero, for example, which offers more dense fruit, while Bricco Ambrogio is more delicate in the mouth. These soils are gray marlstone, with some yellow veins of clay in there and some sand, whereas Monvigliero soils are far whiter in nature. A fresh Barolo like this would pair well with any fatty sausage.

Roddi. Tasted blind. Lustrous ruby. A tiny bit grubby/reductive and vegetal with hints of dark fruit. Earthy, deep fruit palate with an attractive chewiness to the tannins, but also the palate is not entirely focused and is a little grubby. Perhaps this just needs more time in the bottle, as the fruit emerges forcefully on the finish. (WS)

Plenty of burnt oranges and lemons, wild strawberries, cedar and spices. The palate is muscular and powerful, veiled in a sheen of grainy and chewy tannins that surround layers of vibrant red fruit. Drink from 2023.