2014 Paolo Scavino Barolo Bric del Fiasc

This is one of my favorite single-vineyard 2014 Barolos from the Scavino family. Fruit for the 2014 Barolo Bric dël Fiasc is sourced from the Fiasco vineyard in Castiglione Falletto. You might guess this by the wine's trademarked fantasy name "Bric dël Fiasc." The family farms a large swath of the Fiasco vineyard, but this wine is made with fruit from a 2.5-hectare section at the center of the cru. It enjoys southeast exposures with both marl and sandy deposits. This complex mix of Tortonian and Helvetian soils makes for a tight, interwoven patchwork. This helps to develop both elegance and power, and you get both in generous supply with this wine. Enrico Scavino realized he had something special during fermentation, and the wine has continued to develop beautifully since then. It boasts finely textured tannins that contribute to the overall structure and firmness. This is an age-worthy Barolo that reveals depth and determination.

Castiglione Falletto. Tasted blind. Unusually dark ruby for this short and rainy vintage. Herbal nose while the fruit is a little subdued. Quite backwards and the leafy, herbal notes are covering up the fruit on the palate. Slightly astringent on the finish. Underwhelming. (WS)