2019 Barolo Rocche dell Annunziata Riserva

A restrained, dark and complex wine. It unfolds in the glass with notes of bergamot, tamarind, oak bark, licorice, dried violets and red cherries. The attack is supple, with a full body, refreshing acidity and ripe, velvety tannins. It’s vibrant and integrated, with a savory, elegant aftertaste.

The 2019 Barolo Riserva Rocche dell'Annunziata is a wine of pure and total sensuality, as the best vintages are here. Ripe, silky tannins frame a core of red-toned Rocche fruit. Floral and citrus inflections emerge later to round things out. The Riserva is one of the most elegant, sublime and beautiful wines in this year's range. I loved it.

The Paolo Scavino 2019 Barolo Riserva Rocche dell'Annunziata comes from a special line that is only made in the best years. We saw a Riserva in 2016, and I'm told it will be made in 2021 (but we won't see that bottle until 2028 or 2029). This wine, however, shows beautifully today with elegant fruit, dark shadings of spice and young and chalky tannins. The wine is classic from all points of view, and you get a generous portion of that celebrated Nebbiolo elegance.