Barolo 'Ravera'

Score

94

"Aromas of menthol, small red berry and espresso mingle with fragrant purple flowers on this full-bodied red. Elegantly structured, the palate offers Marasca cherry, spiced cranberry, star anise and crushed mint set against firm, fine-grained tannins. Give it time to fully develop. Drink 2024–2031. "

Score

97+

"Continuing in a tour de force presentation of some of the best growing sites in Barolo, the Scavino family introduces this, their second vintage, from the Ravera cru of Novello. The Paolo Scavino 2016 Barolo Ravera draws its fruit from an east-facing parcel that is one of the last to be harvested each year. The site shows cool climate conditions even in the warmer years. In a classic vintage such as this, the wine delivers pretty balance and integration. The character of the wine reflects the dark, sultry fruit qualities that we associate with Ravera—prune, plum, blackberry, tilled earth, truffle and an appetite-arousing touch of smoked bacon. That compilation of aromas is simply fantastic, and the wine shows a terrific quality of tannins, imparting inner tension, sharpness and precision."

Score

97

"Scavino’s 2016 Barolo Ravera is another highlight in this range. Tense, brilliant and finely sculpted, the 2016 has so much going on. Crushed flowers, iron, mint and cedar add beguiling aromatic breadth to a core of translucent, intense Nebbiolo fruit. The 2016 really captures the energy that makes wines from this site so distinctive. The 2016 was fermented in stainless steel and aged entirely in cask."

Score

94

"Enticing scents of iris, botanical herbs and woodland berries are front and center on this fragrant red. The firm palate offers Marasca cherry, pomegranate, star anise and white pepper alongside youthfully assertive, fine-grained tannins. Best 2023–2030."

Score

96

"The nose is really spot-on here, delivering a wholesome array of fresh hibiscus, redcurrants, fruit tea and rose petals. The palate is very silky and polished, weaving its way neatly through finely arranged layers of bright red fruit. Medium-to full-bodied and wonderfully elegant. Drink from 2022."

Score

94

"Here is another rookie in the lineup for Paolo Scavino. The Ravera vineyard was purchased in 2015, at 2.7 hectares and about 360 meters in altitude. It is their highest vineyard and the last to be harvested every year. This east-facing parcel is never too hot, always showing cooler-climate conditions than the others, with fine tannins and a good dose of acidity. The 2015 Barolo Ravera is a very tight and and precise wine, with notes of exotic tea that follow blackberry, dried cherry and licorice. This is a great new addition to the Scavino portfolio at this time of important changes for the winery."

Score

94

"The 2015 Barolo Ravera is rather dense and monolithic in feel. And even so, there is something about the Ravera that is deeply intriguing. Rose petal, chalk, pine and a host of mineral and floral notes are presently buried under the wine's huge fruit, but there is plenty to look forward to. I can't wait to see how the 2015 ages, and how future vintages develop. To be sure, this is an impressive debut."