2019 Barolo
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Tasting notes
This is Massolino’s most important wine, their biggest production of Barolo. Usually 24 months in oak. Heady nose and then very smooth and gentle. So flattering! But true to Nebbiolo. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
In the light cream-colored label, the 2019 Barolo is elegant and contained, showing a very focused and linear style that makes a great impression and awakens the senses. There is wild cherry, blue flower and crushes stone backed by balanced freshness and tannins. The wine ages in large Slavonian oak casks for 30 months, and 85,000 bottles were released.
The 2019 Barolo is a very serious wine. Readers looking for an easygoing, entry-level Barolo will not find that here. Bright and sizzling with tannin, the 2019 is going to need at least a few years to fully come together. Crushed rocks, red/purplish fruit and dried flowers emerge with some coaxing, but this is really a wine for the cellar. It is also probably the most reticent straight Barolo I tasted for this report.
Palish ruby. A subtle, lifted, cherry and cranberry nose dabbed with spicy oak notes and a hint of orange skin. Sappy, lively cherry fruit on the palate with a long, tannic grip on the finish. Fresh, long and elegant. Can be approached now. (WS)