1999 Barolo San Rocco
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Tasting notes
The 1999 Barolo San Rocco possesses gorgeous depth and richness. Layers of dark red fruit, smoke, tar, licorice and plums all take shape in the glass in this powerful, beautifully articulated Barolo. In 1999 the San Rocco stands out for its plush, authoritative core of fruit and firm, sturdy tannins. The broad shoulders and pure richness of Serralunga come through in spades. Full tertiary aromas are another few years away, so I would suggest cellaring the 1999 for a little while longer. Still, with air, the 1999 San Rocco is gorgeous today. In truth, the 1999 has been striking since the very beginning.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Dark ruby. Exuding much richness and youthfulness, the San Rocco offers a heady, ethereal nose with suggestions of spices, sweet toasted oak and white truffles. As it sits in the glass, it opens to reveal gorgeous layers of vibrant sweet dark fruit, licorice, and menthol nuances that coat the palate with exceptional elegance and length It too should drink well to age 20 and perhaps beyond. One of the vintage's great wines.
The 1999 Barolo San Rocco, from a vineyard in Serralunga d’Alba, is the most complete of the trio. Ruby/garnet, it is the most expressive in its fruit, with ample plum and black cherry notes, well endowed with the classic asphalt and anisette aromas of Nebbiolo, and has absorbed its oak with greater success. Powerful and concentrated yet well balanced on the palate, its solid structure and firm texture are complemented by the velvet of the tactile sensations and the sweetness of the fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2020. 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
Full red. Reticent but pure aromas of strawberry, mocha, tobacco, brown sugar and menthol. At once smooth and vinous, with intriguing notes of minerals and woodsmoke. Tougher and less sweet than the '98 San Rocco, finishing with firm, chewy tannins that will require four or five years of additional bottle aging.