Barolo 'Bricco Ambrogio'

Score

97

"This shows balsamic, sandalwood, rose petals and a touch of red fruit on the nose. The palate is tight, with precise chewy tannins, tight fruit and a compact finish. A solid, exceptional Barolo that will need about three years to soften."

Score

97

"Showing the fantastic aromatics this site is known for, you'll find enticing aromas of iris, dog rose, wild berry, forest floor and menthol on Paolo Scavino's radiant 2021 Bricco Ambrogio. This MGA always has softer tannins out of the gate than the estate's other cru offerings and the stunning 2021 is no exception, delivering succulent flavors of ripe Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, blood orange, mint and licorice alongside polished tannins. It's beautifully balanced, with fresh acidity. Drink 2029–2041. Abv: 14.5%"

Score

96

"Rich and permeated with cherry, pomegranate, earth, wild herb and iron flavors, this red is dense and powerful. Firm, chalky tannins ply its depths, leaving a solid grip on the finish, yet the fruit is ripe and the aftertaste long, with sweet fruit returning at the end. Best from 2027 through 2048.—B.S."

Score

95

"The 2021 Barolo Bricco Ambrogio is classy and polished to the core. This wine has come such a long way since its debut. Enrico Scavino really believed in this site when he purchased it a little more than 20 years ago. The 2021 is a fine testament to his vision. Lavender, sage, menthol and licorice lead into a core of dark-toned fruit in a Barolo that is deep yet also light on its feet. This is impeccably done, not to mention very tasty."

Score

94+

"Looking to the Cru offering from Scavino, the 2021 Barolo Bricco Ambrogio is bright red and inviting, with notes of crushed strawberries, smoky incense, rosy perfume, and tangerine. It's light-bodied and refreshing, with snappy acidity, fine, nervous tannins, and a clean, gently tapering finish. It has a good deal of tension and structure in a compact frame that I think will be worth waiting for as it fleshes out and opens over the coming 12-15 years."

Score

94

"The Paolo Scavino 2021 Barolo Bricco Ambrogio is usually the lightest wine in the family's collection of single-vineyard wines. From the village of Roddi in the northernmost point of the appellation, this area has wide vineyard valleys and cool southeast exposures. The heat of the day falls away quickly thanks to steep diurnal shifts. The soils are composed of blue marl and sand, and the family farms seven hectares here, of which five hectares are Nebbiolo (the rest is Dolcetto and old-vine Barbera). A selection of the best fruit is made from old vines and put into this bottle. The wine is soft and silky with red and blue fruits and floral aromas to close."

Score

95

"Focused, compact and well-balanced with strawberries, red currants, wet stones and some bay leaves. Medium- to full-bodied with firm tannins. Ample and well-structured with plenty of volume on offer on the center-palate. Delicious and well-driven with a long finish. Try after 2028."

Score

95

"Deep ruby/red, the 2020 Barolo Bricco Ambrogio boasts a very pretty and detailed bouquet with a floral perfume of ripe raspberries, violets, lilac, and wet stone. Elegant and medium-bodied, it has a lot of graceful details, with fine tannins, lovely concentration and a lovely and linear feel without any austerity. It has a Burgundian aesthetic and is a very well-styled wine from this site. Drink 2025-2040."

Score

95

"The 2020 Barolo Bricco Ambrogio is a complex, alluring wine. Dried herbs, menthol, licorice, sage, mocha and lavender play off a core of purplish/black fruit. Dark and sensual, but not at all heavy, the 2020 has a ton to offer in a plush, immediate style. This is a very sexy Barolo."

Score

94

"Crushed red fruits steeped in their own juices, intermingled with a blend of spices, create an inviting nose, though somewhat reserved. A hint of mint adds freshness. On the palate, warmed, spiced fruits take center stage, enveloped by the embrace of youthful and firm tannins. The fruit flavors gradually give way to a savory edge on the finish that begs for a hearty dish to accompany it. Drink 2026–2045. Cellar Selection. —J.P."

Score

93

"This is a retaste. This wine is served first in the Scavino's portfolio of single-vineyard wines because it is the lightest in texture but also because they prefer to set their flights by geography going from north to south. From the village of Roddi, the 2020 Barolo Bricco Ambrogio reveals dark aromas of plum and blackberry. The effect is a little more monotone compared to other areas of Barolo, but you get a velvety mouthfeel with sweet tannins."

Score

93

"An elegant red, exuding cherry, strawberry, orange peel, rose, mineral and wild herb aromas and flavors. Vibrant and supple in texture, this is beautifully integrated, turning more floral on the lingering aftertaste. A light dusting of tannins keeps this focused. Best from 2026 through 2040. 'B.S."

Score

16

"Roddi. Lustrous mid ruby. Subtle yet concentrated on the nose with cherry fruit and fresh mint hints. Mellow, concentrated sweet-sour cherry palate with firm tannins on the finish. Ready now but needs food."

Score

96

"From a south-facing site on marne and limestone soils, this is one of Scavino's most important wines in terms of volume. The nose, which displays red fruits, is reticent and lacks some aromatic force now, but the wine is still young. Supple, rounded and fleshy, the palate is also concentrated, with firm tannins and considerable complexity. Spicy and tangy, it shows ample grip and energy on the long, weighty finish."

Score

96

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95

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93

Score

93

"The 2019 Barolo Bricco Ambrogio is a pretty tightly-wound wine for a site that has produced much more open-knit Barolos. Floral, savory and mineral notes dominate, while fruit is pushed into the background. I am surprised to see acids and tannins so prominently on display. It will be interesting to see if this ever softens."

Score

93

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93

Score

17+

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94

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93

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93

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92

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90

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95

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94

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93

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90

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97

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94

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93

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93

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92

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94

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92

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92

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90

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90