Barolo 'Bric dël Fiasc'

Score

99

"From one of the most iconic offerings in the entire denomination, the captivating 2021 Bric del Fiasc stuns with its combination of structure, finesse and complexity. It opens with a potpourri of pressed rose, dark spice and dried herb that mingle with aromas of woodland berry and camphor while the delicious, vibrant palate delivers juicy Morello cherry, raspberry compote, licorice, mocha and cinnamon. A backbone of firm, fine-grained tannins provides support. What a beauty. Drink 2033–2046. Abv: 14.5%"

Score

97

"With holdings in Fiasco since 1910, the Scavino family considers this wine their flagbearer. First produced separately in 1978, it is crafted from three southwest-facing plots on a mix of sandstone and limestone. A profound, mineral-laden nose brings in supporting accents of pepper and raspberry. Elegant in weight yet commanding in delivery, enveloping tannins suggest some richness with an innate sense of balance prevailing. Coming together admirably, this is captivating and energetic through to the crushed stone and iron finish."

Score

97

"This is dusty, with dried flowers, dark cherries and a hint of spices on the nose. The palate is medium- to full-bodied with lots of succulent fruit framed by polished, powdery tannins that dissipate gradually, showing persistent fruit flavors. Outstanding. Better after 2027."

Score

97

"This red is saturated with pure cherry notes, plus hints of blackberry and plum, along with stony mineral, earth and wild herb accents. Starts out rich and supple in texture but gains density and structure by the long finish. Shows terrific balance and complexity. Best from 2029 through 2050. From Italy. —B.S."

Score

96

"The Paolo Scavino 2021 Barolo Bric dël Fiasc, from a 2.5-hectare site in Castiglione Falletto on a southwest-facing slope, shows an especially rich and textured side with aromas of dark fruit that are accented by clove, cinnamon, spice and even a hint of bitter chocolate. This is a bold expression of Nebbiolo with elegantly managed tannins that are quite firm and need ample time to resolve. Production is 12,100 bottles."

Score

94+

"The 2021 Barolo Bric del Fiasc is going to need a number of years to be at its best. Red toned-fruit, chalk, white pepper, dried herbs and exotic citrus notes soar out of the glass. Beams of tannin lend the energy and drive that are such classic signatures of this Castiglione Falletto site."

Score

97

"An alluring red, this invites you in with aromas and flavors of rose hip, cherry, currant, earth, mineral, tobacco and sweet spices. Firm and beautifully balanced, with finesse and tension between the delicate flavors and energetic tannins, showing excellent intensity and length. Best from 2027 through 2048. From Italy. —B.S."

Score

96

"Intense nose with orange rind, savory salted plums, cloves and minerals here with a touch of mussel shell and white pepper. Juicy and powerful with a full body and tightly wound tannins that resolve smoothly into a rich but fine finish. Long and concentrated flavors here. Drinkable now, but better to try from 2027."

Score

96

"The 2020 Bric del Fiasc offers heady aromas of violet, forest berry, new leather, graphite and spice. Boasting a weightless concentration, the elegantly structured palate delivers ripe black cherry, crushed raspberry, orange zest, baking spice and licorice. Velvety tannins provide support. Drink 2028–2035. Abv: 14.5%"

Score

95

"Intriguing notes of blueberries and violets dance on the nose, intertwined with captivating floral aromas of lavender and rose petals, creating a charming and pretty bouquet. The palate follows suit, revealing a harmonious blend of delicate blackberry and plum flavors, complemented by a touch of sage and thyme. Subtle hints of forest floor, dried leaves and damp earth add depth and complexity to this Barolo. Drink 2026–2045. Cellar Selection. —J.P."

Score

94

"The 2020 Barolo Bric Del Fiasc, which pours a deeper ruby red color, is seductive with its plush perfume of ripe cherries, smoky earth, cedar, licorice, and balsamic herbs. It fills the palate with broad-shouldered, ripe tannins and dark mineral underpinnings that coarse through the wine. It has a more brooding personality and is fantastic and built for the long haul over the coming 12-15 years."

Score

94

"The 2020 Barolo Bric del Fiasc is a powerful, tannic wine. Then again, it is Bric del Fiasc. Iron, dried herbs, white pepper, geranium, orange peel and red-toned fruit are all delineated, framed by sinewy, nervous tannins that give the wine its shape. This driving, taut Barolo will need at least a few years to hit its stride. It's a bit compacted today."

Score

94

"This is a retaste. The Fiasco vineyard in Castiglione Falletto has a greater concentration of marl and sand due to its location in the central part of the appellation where many different soil types intersect and overlap a series of small valleys and hills. This particular vineyard is located in a pretty amphitheater with southwest exposures at 270 meters above sea level. The vines were planted in the 1970s. The Paolo Scavino 2020 Barolo Bric dël Fiasc is certainly more generous and open than when I tasted this wine less than one year prior. It shows dark current and plum. There are hints of forest floor, bramble, iron and rust. I am told that a natural spring appears in the middle of this site. This is the last wine served in a flight of single-vineyard Barolos because it is the most powerful."

Score

17

"Castiglione Falletto. Lustrous mid ruby. Expressive, concentrated strawberry and raspberry nose with dark-earth hints. Lots of acidity and fragrant fruit on the palate. Ends a little racy and slightly lean, but with a long, fragrant finish. (WS)"

Score

100

Score

98

Score

97

Score

96

"The nose of Scavino's flagship Barolo is less exuberant than that of Monvigliero, but it shows luxurious raspberry fruit and an intriguing iron-like note too. The attack is suave and velvety, spicy and intense, with fine acidity. It displays grandeur and weight of fruit, and the tannins contribute texture as well as grip. Very long and effortlessly balanced."

Score

96

"The 2019 Barolo Bric del Fiasc is a gorgeous wine in the making. Deep, fleshy and wonderfully nuanced, the 2019 offers up an exotic mélange of kirsch, pomegranate, baking spice and a kick of new oak. Often quite the tannic beast, in 2019, the Bric del Fiasc is impeccable in its balance. The rich, substantial finish is a thing of beauty. Best of all, the 2019 should drink well relatively early for this wine."

Score

95

"A supple, graceful red announced by rose, cherry, licorice, iron and white pepper aromas and flavors. This is no pushover, however, with a layer of dense, pointed tannins that resonate on the long aftertaste. Shows excellent balance and complexity. Best from 2027 through 2046. 675 cases made, 203 cases imported."

Score

94

Score

17+

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95

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94

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93

Score

3

Score

97

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96

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95

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95+

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94

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94

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97

"*Cellar Selection*"

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94

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94

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94

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93

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94

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94

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94

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94+

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92

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95

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95

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94

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93

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98

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96

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95

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95

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97

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97

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93