Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2011 Barolo from Bartolo Mascarello is such a surprise. Bright, translucent red, the 2011 immediately impresses with its captivating freshness and precision. There’s so much vibrancy. Given the warm, dry year, I was expecting to see a Barolo with some early signs of maturity, but the 2011 is incredibly young, not to mention an absolute delight. Time in the glass does start to reveal a bit less polish in the tannins relative to the very finest vintages, but that is expected in a very challenging vintage. This is a terrific showing.
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Neal Martin, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2011 Barolo from Bartolo Mascarello is blessed with a divine bouquet, surfeit with red cherries, crushed strawberry, decaying autumn leaves and rose petal, and later a hint of roasted chestnut and Montecristo. The palate is fresh, poised, not deep but harmonious and satin-like in texture. Elegant on the finish, not profound but so, so drinkable and delicious. Tasted at the Vinous off-line dinner at La Trompette.
Fascinating aromas of spice, dried fruit, mushrooms, licorice and dried strawberries follow through to a full body with tight and chewy tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Very tannic still. Try in 2021.
Mid ruby with orange tinges. Hints of tea leaves and spice, but otherwise firmly locked on the nose. Quite ripe and sweet palate cut through by vivid acidity. Slightly rustic structure and with bags of ripe fruit. Long and intense and only a tiny bit drying on the finish. (WS)
About the producer
Bartolo Mascarello is one of the most respected, traditionalist Barolo producers. The Piedmont estate makes one of the region’s finest expressions of Nebbiolo.