2000 Barolo Rocche dell Annunziata Riserva

The 2000 Barolo Riserva Rocche dell'Annunziata is another exceptional Barolo. Impossibly fine, silky tannins support sweet red cherries, raspberries, rose petals and spices, all of which come together in the open-knit style that is typical of this great site. This, too, is another fabulous Barolo from Scavino.

In keeping with the style of the vintage the 2000 Rocche dell'Annunziata is not terribly expressive on the nose, although it offers plenty of fruit in a ripe to over-ripe style, with outstanding length and balance. As appealing as it is to drink today, a few years of cellaring will be beneficial. Like the other 2000s in this tasting, this wine was less expressive than it has been in the past.

Full, deep red. Aromas of plum syrup, strawberry, mocha and mint; more decadent than the 2001 but still fresh. Thick and sweet on entry, then a bit less chewy and dense in the middle than the 2001, without that wine's mineral lift or black fruit character. Strong, plump wine if a bit unrefined. Finishes with more noticeable tannins than the 2001.