2015 Paolo Scavino, Barolo, Monvigliero

The Scavino family has had access to fruit from the Monvigliero cru for almost 20 years. They have farmed a small parcel (under one hectare) since 2000, and the grapes were previously added to their “classico” Barolo blend. In 2006, Monvigliero became its own single-vineyard expression because Enrico Scavino always had a big passion for this site. The 2015 Barolo Monvigliero is a bright and beautiful wine with a strong floral signature of violets and roses that accompanies this wine from start to finish. The wine is very characteristic of Monvigliero in terms of the softness and silky nature of the tannins as well.

The 2015 Barolo Monvigliero is undoubtedly a pretty wine, even if it appears to be somewhat of a work in progress. Bright floral notes, spice and sweet red cherry/plum fruit give the Monvigliero considerable immediacy as well as appeal. Even so, my impression is that the best is yet to come for this bottling.

Pale garnet. Vanilla-cream and toasted hazelnut oak, fresh red cherry, spice and some tar tones. High, fine-grained tannins, with smoky, red cherry, flint and spice. Long. Just a touch of alcohol, but this is a fine example of power Barolo. (TJ)

Verduno. Tasted blind. Youthful, concentrated ruby. Still quite closed with leafy, herbal hints only. A suggestion of sweet liquorice and plenty of ripe fruit on the palate, perhaps due to a very late harvest or very ripe grapes. Full, brooding, sweet dark fruit on the finish with lots of coating tannins. (WS)