2001 Paolo Scavino Barolo Bric del Fiasc

The 2001 Barolo Bric del Fiasc is a gorgeous wine laced with smoke, tar, licorice and menthol. The 2001 remains powerful and authoritative, with more than enough fruit to balance its huge tannins. Today it comes across as almost impenetrably young. There is plenty of upside to cellaring this fabulous Barolo. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031. Enrico Scavino is without question one of Piedmont’s most consistent producers. He just doesn’t miss a beat. Scavino is ably assisted by his daughters Enrica and Elisa, both of whom are increasingly involved in the winery. Scavino’s Baroli are rich, textured and very showy when young, but they have proven to be equally ageworthy. The 2001s spent one year in barrique and a second year in cask, an approach the estate adopted with the 1997 vintage. These are some of the most backward, intense wines of the vintage. Importer: Banville & Jones Wine Merchants, New York, NY; tel. (204) 294-4899

The 2001 Bric del Fiasc is a great way to end this flight. It opens with a beautiful, balsamic nose followed by suggestions of anise, chocolate, tar, dark cherries and plums with outstanding overall balance and fine tannins. Deeply expressive and sensual, it has been a magical wine on the multiple occasions I have tasted it thus far. Today it comes across as more accessible than the 2000 and it will be fascinating to see how these two great vintages evolve in the years to come. A superb achievement.

West of Castiglione Falletto. Medium slightly browning garnet but with bright core. Leather and tar on the nose and yet at the same time perfumed with violets. On the palate, rich, ripe and spicy. JH