Barolo Riserva 'Rocche Annunziata'

Score

98

"A restrained, dark and complex wine. It unfolds in the glass with notes of bergamot, tamarind, oak bark, licorice, dried violets and red cherries. The attack is supple, with a full body, refreshing acidity and ripe, velvety tannins. It's vibrant and integrated, with a savory, elegant aftertaste."

Score

98

"Yet another mind-blowingly beautiful wine from Paolo Scavino, the 2019 Rocche dell'Annunziata is breathtaking. It opens with electrifying aromas of camphor, blue flower, forest floor and dark exotic spice while the full-bodied, delicious palate doles out ripe Morello cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice, vanilla and crushed mint before a mocha close. Tightly woven, velvety tannins provide seamless support while fresh acidity keeps it impeccably balanced. It's already so tempting but the best is yet to come. Drink 2031–2046. Abv: 14.5% Kerin O'Keefe"

Score

97

"The first vineyard the Scavino family purchased outside their village of Castiglione Falletto, Rocche dell'Annunziata has been produced as a Riserva since 1990 – however only in superior vintages. The 2019 is simply gorgeous, ringing out with winter mint, dried lavender and cinnamon. Distinct and precise, the perfumed palate follows with a sweetness of strawberry gracefully enfolded in silky tannins. Tangy minerals and citrussy acidity amplify lightness and brightness. Don't be fooled though – this has plenty of substance and structure to sustain it."

Score

97

"The Paolo Scavino 2019 Barolo Riserva Rocche dell'Annunziata comes from a special line that is only made in the best years. We saw a Riserva in 2016, and I'm told it will be made in 2021 (but we won't see that bottle until 2028 or 2029). This wine, however, shows beautifully today with elegant fruit, dark shadings of spice and young and chalky tannins. The wine is classic from all points of view, and you get a generous portion of that celebrated Nebbiolo elegance."

Score

97

"An intense version, boasting cherry, black currant, plum, earth and iron aromas and flavors, with underlying accents of eucalyptus and rosemary. Firm and balanced, showing some development. Vibrant acidity corrals the lingering finish, and this remains complex and enticing. Approachable now, this red will benefit from another year or two of aging. Best from 2027 through 2046. From Italy. —B.S."

Score

96+

"The 2019 Barolo Riserva Rocche is a wine of pure and total sensuality, as the best vintages are here. Ripe, silky tannins frame a core of red-toned Rocche fruit. Floral and citrus inflections emerge later to round things out. The Riserva is one of the most elegant, sublime and beautiful wines in this year's range. I loved it."

Score

100

Score

98

Score

97

Score

95

Score

94

Score

97

"The 2013 Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata Riserva was released in January of 2019, and once again it looks to be a top prize. Licorice and flowers dominate the bouquet, and its beautiful red fruit is generous throughout. This wine has always been a beauty and consistently has had a high price tag to reflect that quality, going back to the first vintages of the 1990s. It has regularly sold for about $200 every year for the last decade. These vines are old, some of them very old (reaching the ripe age of 60 years old in 1990s, when many of them were replanted with carefully selected clones), producing an elegance and concentration that brings intensity and a high standard of aromas. This Barolo without a doubt shows its pedigree and a quality of noble perfumes that demonstrate characteristics of the greatest Nebbiolo vintages, all delivered with excellent concentration. The magic lingers on the palate, right up to the finish."

Score

95

Score

94

Score

97

Score

97

Score

95

Score

95

Score

94