Tasting Notes
Vinous 97
Potent and explosive in feel, the 2006 Barolo (magnum) is a brooding, imposing wine. Dark fruit, menthol, spice and mocha infuse the 2006 with notable depth. As impressive as the 2006 is, there is a slightly advanced quality that is worth watching over the next few years. It’s hard to say if that nuance has always been present, or if it simply made more evident because of the presence of so many strong vintages in this tasting. Either way, it seems pretty obvious that the 2006 doesn’t reach the level of more recent vintages. Of course, it is also possible this particular magnum was not totally perfect.
Anticipated maturity: 2022-2042
Robert Parker 96
The 2006 Barolo is flat-out great. It possesses dazzling inner perfume, intense color, beautifully nuanced fruit and a classic, austere young-Barolo profile that will allow it to age gracefully for decades. The 2006 is shaping up to be a gem. Anticipated maturity: 2021-2036. Bartolo Mascarello was a true icon in Piedmont. Although Mascarello was famous for his wines, he was at least as well known for his outspoken views on everything from winemaking to politics. Mascarello’s best wines were legendary, but the quality of what was in the bottle didn’t always live up to all of the hype. Against this backdrop, it must have been very difficult for Maria-Theresa Mascarello to take over the family winery after her father passed away a few years ago. Not only has Maria-Theresa Mascarello suceeded in living up to her father’s legacy, she has taken the wines to a new level entirely. The Baroli in particular have been nothing less than stunning here over the last few years. The rebirth of Bartolo Mascarello (the winery) is one of the great, unheralded success stories in Piedmont over the last few years. I urge readers to do whatever they can to taste these great wines. Those who have an interest should make a point to visit the winery and taste from barrel. I also include notes on the 2005 and 2006 Baroli for readers who are curious to see how the wines are developing. The only wine that is disappointing this year is the 2008 Freisa Monrobiolo. The Freisa undergoes a secondary fermentation in bottle and the summer of 2009 did not provide consistently warm enough temperatures for that to happen. The Mascarello Freisa is a staunchly traditional wine and often requires an especially forgiving palate, as is the case with the 2008. Importer: Robert Chadderdon Selections, New York, NY; tel. (212) 332-4999
Anticipated maturity: 2021-2036
