Tasting Notes
Robert Parker 97+
This is a superbly delicate and carefully finessed wine that interprets the growing season with its alternating cold and hot intervals in an impeccable manner. The Bartolo Mascarello 2018 Barolo puts Nebbiolo and the vintage seamlessly together like lock and key. It opens to a beautiful drinking experience. The bouquet shows detail and finely tuned aromas of redcurrant, violet, rusty nail and blood orange. On the palate, this Barolo is so shiny and polished that it feels like silk. Without a doubt, this is one of the top wines of 2018.
Anticipated maturity: 2026-2050
Vinous 94
The 2018 Barolo is a wine of extreme elegance and nuance. Dried red cherry, tobacco, dried flowers, mint and sweet spice are all nicely lifted in this sublime, delicate Barolo. All the elements fall into place so effortlessly. The 2018 naturally does not have the body of more important years, but it offers tons of persistence and fine balance. It has closed down quite a bit since I first tasted it a few months ago, which is probably a good sign. An opened bottle just got better and better over time.
Anticipated maturity: 2028-2043
JancisRobinson.com 17.5
Just mid ruby with orange tinges. Distinctive, minerally nose loaded with spice and still subdued with finely perfumed cherry fruit. Elegant palate with succulent raspberry and cherry fruit. There is a fullness on the palate but without being heavy. Great balance and length and with crunchy tannic bite on the finish. (WS)
Anticipated maturity: 2022-2032
