2008 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione
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Tasting notes
he 2008 Barolo Rocche dei Brovia is quite closed today, which is a bit surprising given how expressive many other wines are in this vintage. Dried rose petals, mint and licorice open up over time, but only with great reluctance. There is a crystalline purity that is highly appealing, but the 2008 is going to need at least a few years to enter the early part of its drinking window. Stylistically, the 2005 resembles the 2005, but with perhaps a little more sweetness. A recent bottle of Brovia's 2008 Ca' Mia was also superb, further suggesting all that is needed here is time. (AG)
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
An open, floral nose announces the 2008 Barolo Rocche. This is a surprisingly steely, intense Rocche with little of the early appeal this wine usually offers. Instead, readers will find a structured, inward Barolo that should develop handsomely for at least two decades. A hint of feminine, Rocche sensuality emerges on the finish, but readers are best served cellaring this beauty for at least a handful of years. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028. I can’t say enough good things about the Brovia family and what they have accomplished over the years, but especially over the last decade or so, which has seen them jump into the upper echelon of Barolo producers. The 2008s had just been bottled when I tasted them in November 2011. Now that the wines have been in bottle a little longer, it is clear they are fulfilling all of their early promise. Importer: Rosenthal Wine Merchants, Pine Plains, NY; tel. (800) 910-1990
An open, floral nose announces the 2008 Barolo Rocche. This is a surprisingly steely, intense Rocche with little of the early appeal this wine usually offers. Instead, readers will find a structured, inward Barolo that should develop handsomely for at least two decades. A hint of feminine, Rocche sensuality emerges on the finish, but readers are best served cellaring this beauty for at least a handful of years.
Castiglione Falletto. Just mid ruby with broad, orange-tinged rim. Quite balsamic and earthy. Medicinal. Seems a tad austere and at the same time a little overripe. Stalky tannin. (WS)