Paolo Scavino - Barolo, Bricco Ambroglo ²⁰¹⁴

Wine tasting notes

A fabulous single vineyard from the Roddi commune (one of smallest areas for Barolo production more famous for its truffle hunting dog training centre) that averages 30 years old and benefits from a southerly exposure. Svelte velvety fruit tannins underscore the crisp, bursting black cherry juiciness, with touches of blueberry, bilberry, bramble and complex savoury notes of dry stone.

Food matching

Master Sommelier Vincent Gasnier, in his book How to Choose Wine, recommends this as a great wine for dishes containing black truffles, as well as for roast pork, among other roast meats. He especially likes it with chicken cacciatore. According to Malcolm Gluck and Mark a great match is braised goose in red wine.

Expert reviews

The 2012 Barolo Bricco Ambrogio is particularly elegant and polished. The wine offers a subdued aromatic presentation that builds in incremental intensity as it warms in the glass. Bright cherry and blackberry are followed by floral notes of rose hip and dried lavender. Mineral components of crushed granite and smoke linger delicately at the back. Another important element of this wine is its balanced acidity that will serve well in terms of the wine's overall longevity.

The 2012 Barolo Bricco Ambrogio is built on a real sense of immediacy, with plenty of up-front fruit and overall intensity. The tannins are a bit raw and unpolished at this stage. It will be interesting to see what time brings. Sweet red cherry, tobacco, cranberry, spice and blood orange add nuance. As always, the Bricco Ambrogio is the most overtly fruity of the Scavino Barolos.

Pale ruby with orange tinges. Cool iron and sweet cherry on the nose. Fruit-driven yet only mid weight on the palate. Grainy and a touch rustic in its tannic structure, but altogether refreshing. (WS)

Bright, fluid and spicy, boasting cherry, raspberry and tobacco flavors. This is less dense structurally than many '12s, with a peppery finish. Should come around soon. Best from 2018 through 2030.

Very floral aromas to this with violets and roses. Raspberry and lemon. Full to medium body, very fine tannins and a fresh and crisp finish. Lovely delicacy and focus.

Perfumed berry, fragrant blue flower and a hint of toasted hazelnut lead the way. On the taut palate, notes of star anise, white pepper and coffee bean accent a core of juicy red berry. Firm but refined tannins provide the elegant framework.