2009 Giuseppe Mascarello e Figlio, Barolo, Monprivato

One of Barolo's most iconic bottlings, this shows breeding and elegance despite the extreme heat of the vintage. A beautiful fragrance of red rose, violet and perfumed berry accompanies a whiff of cake spices. The silky palate delivers succulent wild cherry, licorice, white pepper and cinnamon impeccably balanced by supple tannins and fresh acidity. Drink 2017–2029. Kerin O'Keefe

A landmark wine, the 2009 Barolo Monprivato does not disappoint. The wine shows a medium garnet color and offers a full bouquet of red rose, pressed flowers, wild berries, spice, tar and licorice. Some distant white truffle also makes a subtle appearance at the back. The mouthfeel is absolutely polished and clean with silky tannins, balanced acidity and firm textural support. This is a lovely edition of Barolo Monprivato to store in your cellars ten years or more. (Monica Larner)

The 2009 Barolo Monprivato impresses for its sheer balance. Nothing really stands out, instead it is the wine's overall harmony that speaks most clearly. This is going to be a fascinating vintage of Monprivato to follow. What will emerge over time? Will it be the personality of the year, or the pedigree of these poor, white soils? Time will tell.

Moderately saturated medium red. Compelling early perfume of strawberry, black cherry, licorice and brown spices. Silky and seamless on entry, then perfumed and light on its feet in the middle, with captivating complexity to the flavors of sweet red berries, earth and minerals. Harmonious acidity gives shape to the middle palate and extends the flavors through the long, subtle, vibrant finish. This very young wine is evolving slowly and probably needs seven or eight years to shine, and yet the tannins are quite suave today.

Floral, strawberry, currant, bouillon, soy and tobacco aromas and flavors highlight this savory red. Elegant, yet tensile and firm, with a lingering aftertaste of dried berry and mineral. Best from 2016 through 2029. 600 cases imported. (BS)