1993 Barolo Cannubi

Paolo Scavino, and more recently his daughter, have always made fabulous Barolos, as evidenced by my previous tasting notes on the 1988s, 1989s, and 1990s. However, in 1993, he began utilizing small barriques (the percentage of new wood varies according to the vineyard), pushing his wines to an even higher level of quality. While the 1993s may not possess the power, intensity, and extract of the great 1990s, qualitatively they are equals. The 1993 Barolo Cannubi (50% new oak casks) is the most backward wine of this trio. The dark ruby/purple color is followed by a nose that reluctantly gives up aromas of smoke, earth, and black-cherries. The wine makes a beautiful impression with its display of richness, and well-integrated tannin and acidity. The finish lasts for nearly a minute. This is a youthful as well as one of the least evolved Barolos I tasted. It will require 2-4 years of cellaring when released, and will drink well for 15-20 years.