2009 Paolo Scavino, Barolo DOCG “Carobric” Piedmonte, Italy.
The Carobric is a three Cru blend, coming from mainly Rocche di Castiglione vineyard in Falletto) as well as smaller percentages of Cannubi (in Barolo) and the Fiasco vineyard also in Castiglione Falletto, it is a wonderfully complex expression of Barolo, making for a studied and deep Nebbiolo that has everything you’d want and more. This 2009 is now reaching a wonderful drinking window, though it has decades to go, and it gave a stellar performance in a recent blind tasting, the opulent vintage making a serious impact and with extraordinary textural pleasure. Scavino is almost certain to deliver the goods when it comes to drinking great Piedmonte wines, but this was a thrilling success in the glass that was to Giacosa level, which is saying a lot! With Scavino, each Cru and or Lieu-Dit is vinified separately in stainless steel using native yeasts, all temperature controled during primary fermentation(s), with about a12 day maceration, then maybe 20 to 30 days of finishing, using their selections of the best performing plots during the first year of aging before then get blended or separated for the single vineyards. All the Barolo(s) get an aging program of 10 months in neutral French oak barrels, then 12 months in large casks, before settling for another 10 months in stainless steel before bottling, additionally the wines get rested for 10 months in bottle before sales. The richly dense palate provided an endless array of layers and purity with classic black cherry, damson plum and mission figs, as well as picking up tar, anise along with hoisin notes, truffle, cedar and dried roses. Surprisingly dark, bright and youthful with lifting acidity, ripe tannins and tangy herbs, this seems to get fresher with air, classy and with exciting tension Scavino killed with this 2009, drink between 2018 and 2028.
($70 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
