Barolo – “the wine of kings, the king of wines”

2004  Barolo , Bartolo Mascarello

Nothing could overwhelm me more than opening this bottle of Barolo for our Members.

Only 1200 cases of this wine is produced every year, and it is the perfect expression of the precious Nebbiolo grape in Barolo.

Bartolo passed away few years ago, but his determination and example has been confidently passed down to his daughter, Maria Teresa.

This was his last vintage produced and, fittingly, 2004 was one of the best vintages ever. Bartolo never believed in single vineyards the only Barolo produced is a blend of the top vineyards of the Barolo commune: Cannubi, Rué, San Lorenzo and Rocche dell’ Annunziata (the only one from La Morra).

Only aged in 25hl Slavonian Botti for at least 3 years, this wine shows the purity of black and red berries, with a hint of balsamic, and layers upon layers of mint leaves, smoke, juniper berries, white mushrooms, truffle, roasted pork, even a hint of raw tartare that I always love. All very well-kept together by the beautiful freshness and the velvety tannins only the Nebbiolo grape can express.

I was in total heaven, and I couldn’t be more grateful to share this treasure with the Members.