2013 Paolo Scavino Barolo Monvigliero

One of the highlights in this range, the 2013 Barolo Monvigliero is creamy, sweet and also unusually supple for a young Barolo. Hints of rose petal, dried herb, cedar and sweet pipe tobacco gradually open up in a wine that is more giving on the palate than it is in its aromatics. The 2013 needs time for the classic Monvigliero perfume to emerge fully. There is more than enough precision, energy and tension to make me think that will come in time.

The 2013 Barolo Monvigliero really jumps out, thanks to its larger-than-life flavor profile and its impressive intensity. The wine shows ripe fruit aromas of dark cherry and plum, but it balances those aromas very nicely against spice, dark tobacco and crushed mineral. The effect is elegant and polished, and the tannins add ample support at the back. This wine promises a slow evolution over time. Paolo Scavino raises the banner high for the Monvigliero cru.

Verduno. Lustrous mid ruby with orange tinges. Soft, perfumed fresh nose with a little bit oak. Very fine long-lasting tannins and red fruit running along it. Lithe yet with a powerful structure. Transparent. Gorgeous seductive oak notes. (WS)