2012 Barolo Monvigliero Riserva
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Tasting notes
The 2012 Barolo Riserva Monvigliero is a very pretty wine that shows the immediacy and allure of the vintage off to great effect. Silky, pliant and open-knit, the 2012 will drink well with minimal cellaring. Even so, readers who want to experience the 2012 with its full range of aromatic nuances will have to wait for the better part of a decade or so for it to be at its best. This is a gorgeous wine, especially within the context of the year.
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2012 Barolo Riserva Monvigliero shows off a decidedly virile side of this well-known Verduno site. Dense and potent in the glass, the 2012 is built on serious textural intensity. Game, smoke, licorice, tobacco, dark spice and wild cherry are pushed forward. At times, the 2012 appears a bit forward. Despite its considerable richness, I would be tempted to drink the 2012 sooner rather than later. Although there is plenty of personality to the 2012, I would like to see a bit more finesse.
Monvigliero is only ever released as a Riserva, with the exception of 2002, when it was a ‘normale’. The decision to produce Monvigliero is made at the moment of picking the grapes. Fermented and aged in Stockinger casks. Bottled in July 2015. A shade lighter ruby than the Massara and more lifted. Really pretty and perfumed, transparent and with vibrant acidity. Very elegant yet with a firm structure and quite tight on the finish. Will improve with more bottle age. (WS)