1999 Paolo Scavino Barolo Riserva Rocche dell'Annunziata - Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (1/21/2023)
This was a gift from my wife for my 40th birthday. A dear, late friend ITB helped her pick it out. Lots of emotions on opening it, as time and memories flood in. Basing expectations on reputation I would have expected something much more creamy and oaky. Instead it was both fresh and developed, lightly browning at the rim, but with vibrant fruit. Flowers, herbs and umami elements dominate the mid-palate and finish, and yes a hint of oak. What’s most enticing is the texture, which is velvety, with little spikes, like overlooked thorns on a beautiful rose.