2009 Barolo

The 2009 Barolo shows broad shoulders and a fascinating bouquet woven together by tones of dried fruits and fig, polished river stone, light shadings of spice and licorice. Like many wines of the vintage the tannins are already smooth and silky at this young stage in the wine’s life. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2022. Here’s a story that so faithfully represents the ideological shift from father to son, you could play it on continuous loop across the territory of the Langhe. In perfect protocol with local traditions, the last three generations of the Scavino family are Lorenzo (grandfather), Luigi (father) and Lorenzo (son). Lorenzo (grandfather) watched in horror as a young and rambunctious Luigi announced his intention to drop fruit in the vineyard with an eye on producing quality wine. To Lorenzo’s World War II generation, reducing yields was a mental leap of impossible proportions. Fast-forward to today and Lorenzo (son) is the custodian of that patrimony of knowledge and experience accrued over the years. Founded in 1920 (over five generations), Azelia has 16 hectares and recently acquired a half-hectare parcel adjacent to their San Rocco vineyard in Serralunga d’Alba. The average age of their vines is 55 to 60 years old. I was greatly impressed with all the wines in the Azelia presentation and think this is a winery to watch carefully in the coming years. Luigi Scavino purchased the San Rocco vineyard in 1993 (after many sacrifices) because he always loved Serralunga d’Alba Barolo. Various American Importers, including: Michael Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300; The Vintner Group, Ashland, VA; tel. (804) 752-3670; Epic Wines, Capitola, CA; tel. (800) 322-3742

The 2009 Barolo offers up sweet red cherries, spices and tobacco, all in an easygoing, approachable style well suited for drinking over the next few years. Sweet floral and spice notes add lift on the finish. The 2009 is a blend of 70% Serralunga and 30% Castiglione Falletto fruit.