2009 Giuseppe Mascarello Barolo Monprivato

A landmark wine, the 2009 Barolo Monprivato does not disappoint. The wine shows a medium garnet color and offers a full bouquet of red rose, pressed flowers, wild berries, spice, tar and licorice. Some distant white truffle also makes a subtle appearance at the back. The mouthfeel is absolutely polished and clean with silky tannins, balanced acidity and firm textural support. This is a lovely edition of Barolo Monprivato to store in your cellars ten years or more. 94 points

One of Barolo’s most iconic bottlings, this shows breeding and elegance despite the extreme heat of the vintage. A beautiful fragrance of red rose, violet and perfumed berry accompanies a whiff of cake spices. The silky palate delivers succulent wild cherry, licorice, white pepper and cinnamon impeccably balanced by supple tannins and fresh acidity. Drink 2017–2029. 96 points

Very nervy and exciting. Light but with a hint of char after broad, sweet, transparent impression. Very flattering. Dry finish and alluring. Sinewy finish. 18 points.

Moderately saturated medium red. Compelling early perfume of strawberry, black cherry, licorice and brown spices. Silky and seamless on entry, then perfumed and light on its feet in the middle, with captivating complexity to the flavors of sweet red berries, earth and minerals. Harmonious acidity gives shape to the middle palate and extends the flavors through the long, subtle, vibrant finish. This very young wine is evolving slowly and probably needs seven or eight years to shine, and yet the tannins are quite suave today. 92(+?) points