Coming to market this fall, the Bartolo Mascarello 2019 Barolo represents a classic vintage in between two challenging growing seasons. Both 2018 and 2020 were hotter than 2019, resulting in higher alcohol levels. With fruit harvested on October 8th and 9th, this expression from 2019 shows extra freshness and a more streamlined style compared to the texturally generous 2020 or the softer and more open-knit 2018. Extraction and structure came easily in 2019, and delicate pump-overs sufficed. Maria Teresa Mascarello opted against submerged cap fermentations in 2022, 2019, 2017 and 2013. It was performed in 2016, 2014 and 2010, however. The fruit represents a blend of Monrobiolo in Bussia (a site with a lease that ends in 2025), Rue and Cannubi in Barolo and Rocche dell’Annunziata in La Morra. San Lorenzo will return to the blend in 2020. This bottle promises a decisive, vertical delivery of fruit (lots of "skeleton and bones") with a pretty moment of crunch, elegant acidic freshness and tannic structure. If you are nostalgic for a tight, acidity-driven Barolo that is good for long cellar aging, the 2019 is for you.
98+ points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Aug 2023)
The 2019 Barolo saw a gentle fermentation without implementing a submerged cap and is a more forward and linear wine, with rhubarb, pomegranate, and orange peel. It retains a medium body with a more direct nature, with refined tannins and racy acidity that is citrus-driven with notes of ripe apricot and red raspberry. This is an outstanding wine to hold a few years and drink over the coming decades.
97 points, Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck (May 2023)
The 2019 Barolo is a very beautiful, delicate wine that captures the best this vintage has to offer. Gracious and light on its feet, with striking inner sweetness, the 2019 is captivating from the first taste. Kirsch, rose petal, mint, hard candy, cedar and orange zest all grace this super-classic, perfumed Barolo. Young Nebbiolo tannins are there, but they are very elegantly woven into the wine's frame. Vineyard sites are Cannubi, Ruè, Monrobiolo di Bussia and Le Rocche dell'Annunziata, co-fermented in the style that is such a house signature.
96 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Jan 2023)
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