Wine Advisor
Paolo Scavino, Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata Riserva 1998
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Daniel Thomases
The 1998 Barolo Riserva Rocche dell’Annunziata is the best of the series, very complete in its presentation of the classic range of anisette, rose petal, iris, and red fruit sensations, ample, round, and fresh in flavor, minty and lingering on the close, caressing but solid in texture. It will last another dozen years. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
I was blown away by the supreme elegance of the 1998 Rocche dell'Annunziata. It presents the characteristic open, perfumed nose so typical of Rocche, along with a lovely core of sweet cherry fruit on a medium-bodied frame with outstanding length and fine, silky tannins. Some of the baby fat has melted away and the oak has begun to integrate, signaling that this wine has started to enter its early maturity although it remains quite youthful and packed with plenty of vibrant fruit. It is a great choice for drinking now and over the next ten to or so years.
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.
