Wine Advisor
Paolo Scavino, Barolo Bric del Fiasc 1989
View analysis
Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Scavino's three 1989 Barolos are spectacular. The 1989 Barolo Bric del Fiasc is rich and full, but backward, revealing more tannin than the other two 1989 offerings. After 5-6 years of cellaring, it should rival the 1989 Barolo-Cannubi. These are the finest Barolos I have tasted from Scavino. Importer: a Marc di Grazia Selection, Michael Skurnick Wines, Westbury, NY.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 1989 Barolo Bric del Fiasc (3-liter) is still striking for its freshness. Some of that is a factor of the large format, but standard bottles have also developed very positively. Here we find a classic flavor profile of tobacco, herbs, spices, plums and licorice with the depth, muscle and concentration of the modern school. The 1989 is a touch more layered and aromatically intense than the 1990, with an additional measure of length and overall complexity. Tar, smoke and licorice linger on an eternal finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025. The 1989 and 1990 vintages find Enrico Scavino at a fascinating intersection between traditional and modern styles. Fermentations and macerations lasted roughly 12-14 days, while pumpovers and punchdowns were still performed manually. The malolactic fermentations were done mostly in small French oak barrels. The wines were aged first in French oak and then in larger casks, an approach similar to the one Scavino employs today. What comes through most in these wines is a decided commitment to low yields which is seen in the sheer concentration and depth of fruit.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Scavino's three 1989 Barolos are spectacular. The 1989 Barolo-Bric del Fiasc is rich and full, but more backward, revealing more tannin than the other two 1989 offerings. After 5-6 years of cellaring, it should rival the 1989 Barolo-Cannubi. These are the finest Barolos I have tasted from Scavino. Importer: a Marc de Grazia Selection, Michael Skurnick Wines, Westbury, NY.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Paolo Scavino, and more recently his daughter, have always made fabulous Barolos, as evidenced by my previous tasting notes on the 1988s, 1989s, and 1990s. However, in 1993, he began utilizing small barriques (the percentage of new wood varies according to the vineyard), pushing his wines to an even higher level of quality. While the 1993s may not possess the power, intensity, and extract of the great 1990s, qualitatively they are equals. As a postscript, I had the opportunity to taste a mini-vertical of Scavino's Barolo Bric del Fiasc, from the 1990, 1989, 1988, 1985, and 1982 vintages. All of these wines were made in the old style, without aging in small oak casks. The 1989 (rated 92+) was also spectacular, although more tannic, without the wealth of glycerin, extract, and massive fruit of the 1990. The 1989 and 1990 should age effortlessly for 20-30+ years. How fortunate readers owning both vintages will be to have an opportunity to compare them as they evolve.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
What a joy it is to drink the awesome 1989 Bric del Fiasc. Served from a 3-liter bottle, it is a very complete, structured Barolo, with complex aromatics, expressive, vibrant layers of fruit, great length and an eternal finish. Amazingly it comes across as very fresh and I imagine it will drink beautifully for another 10-15 years perhaps more. A great effort. 95/Anticipated maturity: 2006-2016. Bric del Fiasc, was first produced in 1978. The vineyard is located in Castiglione Falletto and the wines from this plot are generally the biggest and most structured of the estate’s lineup. In important vintages Bric del Fiasc requires at least several years of cellaring. Today vintages 1989 and 1990 appear to still be fresh and youthful and my guess is that recent vintages will age at least as well given that they were made from lower yields and with a much greater sense of awareness towards other factors affecting quality.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
What a joy it is to drink the awesome 1989 Bric del Fiasc. Served from a 3-liter bottle, it is a very complete, structured Barolo, with complex aromatics, expressive, vibrant layers of fruit, great length and an eternal finish. Amazingly it comes across as very fresh and I imagine it will drink beautifully for another 10-15 years perhaps more. A great effort.
About the Producer
Paolo Scavino is an estate in Barolo known for its polished, elegant red wines from the Nebbiolo grape variety. The estate owns 23 hectares (57 acres) entirely within Barolo with parcels in 19 different cru vineyards in all but three of the Barolo communes. The range of nine Barolo wines is led by the Bric Dël Fiasc (from the Fiasco cru in Castiglione Falletto, and produced in both standard and Riserva bottlings), the Cannubi, and the Riserva Rocche dell'Annunziata which is aged for an additional year both in large casks and in bottle, and is sourced from a cru vineyard in La Morra. The portfolio of red wines also includes a Langhe Nebbiolo, two Barbera d'Alba wines, a Dolcetto d'Alba, and a Vino Rosso blended from the younger vines grown on the estate. The Langhe Sorriso is Paulo Scavino's key white wine made from Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier. The company was founded in 1921 in Castiglione Falleto by Lorenzo Scavino and his son Paolo. Enrico Scavino has been working in the winery since the age of ten, beginning in 1951. He now runs his estate with his daughters, who are the fourth generation.
1985(1)
Package Size
