Barolo Riserva 'Novantesimo'

Score

98

"Dark red/magenta in color, the 2016 Barolo Riserva is remarkable, offering loads of kirsch, polished leather, balsamic, dark chocolate, and crushed violets. The list goes on and on as it opens and begins to show more mineral aromas of graphite and truffle. Medium to full-bodied, it's an exquisite red, with ripe, polished tannins, a seamless structure, and a long finish. It retains wonderful purity and ripeness and leaves a haunting sensation as it tapers ever so slowly. This stunning wine from the Scavino family is built for the long haul. Drink 2026-2056."

Score

98

"Not made since the 2011 vintage to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the winery and before that not since 1964, the Paolo Scavino 2016 Barolo Riserva is gorgeous. Made with a selection of the best grapes from the estate's historic vineyards, it's intensely fragrant, boasting multifaceted aromas of forest floor, iris, ripe woodland berry, camphor and brown exotic spice. Combining power and finesse, the delicious palate offers cherry marinated in spirits, raspberry compote, licorice and tobacco set against a backbone of firm, fine-grained tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced and energized. Still primary and youthfully austere, it needs a few more years to unwind and develop. Drink 2028–2046. Abv: 15%"

Score

98

"Though still a bit shy in aroma, this red offers a deep well of ripe cherry, strawberry, raspberry, mint, mineral and tobacco flavors. Intense and vibrant, combining finesse and power, with terrific tension and a long, complex aftertaste. Drink now through 2042. From Italy.—B.S."

Score

97

"The 2016 Barolo Riserva is a dense, dark, towering wine. A rush of plum, pomegranate, spice, espresso, cloves and licorice saturates the palate. This sumptuous, full-throttle Barolo has a ton to offer. The interplay of textural richness and structure is compelling. This is a fabulous wine with great purity of fruit, depth and intensity. Scavino lovers will be delighted."

Score

97

"A Barolo of unparalleled elegance and complexity, this wine captivates from the first encounter. Aromas of roasted and grilled fruits intertwine with singed herbs and tea, creating an inviting and intriguing bouquet. The palate is a symphony of mixed spices, with clove, cinnamon and vanilla taking center stage. Juicy and fruity, the wine's approachability is a testament to its impeccable balance and pedigree. This Barolo undoubtedly possesses the finesse of a true icon, promising to reward patient cellaring with even greater complexity and refinement in the decades to come. Drink 2026–2050. Editors' Choice. —J.P"

Score

96

"This Riserva has been made twice, and the first time was in 2011. Jumping forward five years, we have the Paolo Scavino 2016 Barolo Riserva Paolo Scavino fu Cav. Lorenzo. The late Enrico Scavino wanted to honor the generation before him, back when Barolo was a very poor area and families like his never abandoned their land despite hard economic times. The wine's retro label is a throwback to those nostalgic years. The blend in 2016 is different than 2011. Here, we have Bricco Ambrogio, Ravera, San Bernardo and a part of Bric dël Fiasc in Castiglione Falletto. Blends are the traditional way of making Barolo, but the Scavino family considers this wine its own cru. It opens slowly to red cherry, dried blackberry and earthy aromas of flower root. The use of oak is moderate, and the wine is quite fresh, holding on nicely without too much of a tertiary signature. It ferments in steel, with each parcel vinified separately. After time in oak, it spends five years in glass. This is a restate."