2019 Paolo Scavino, Barolo, Monvigliero

The 2019 Barolo Monvigliero is a gorgeous wine that marries the classicism of this site with the bright, forward fruit that is such a signature of the Scavino style. Freshly-cut roses, kirsch, mint, cinnamon and blood orange race across the palate, supported by vibrant acids and veins of sinewy tannin. This seems to call for at least a few years in bottle.

Continuing on a tour of the major villages of Barolo, this wine takes us to the hilltops of Verduno. The Paolo Scavino 2019 Barolo Monvigliero shows lifted aromas of wild cherry and lavender that emerge from a broader background of dark primary fruit. The wine offers medium concentration and silky tannins. But again, I find the bouquet to be a bit closed at this very young stage. There is more energy in the palate thanks to the natural freshness of Nebbiolo. This wine did show nicely when I came back to the bottle 48 hours later. Production is 4,600 bottles.

Verduno. Lustrous ruby. Deep raspberry and morello-cherry nose and almost a little ethereal, in spite of its obvious concentration. Just a touch of savoury oak. Succulent fruit of impressive concentration. Has lots of everything, yet it’s fantastically balanced. Very long and compelling and can already be approached. (WS)