Paolo Scavino - Barolo Rocche Di Castiglione 2020 (750ml)
Jeb Dunnuck: 97 Points
A deep red hue the 2020 Barolo Rocche Di Castiglione is very expressive and detailed on the nose with notes of pure cherry liqueur fresh rosemary lifted spice blood orange and rocky earth. Energetic and balanced it reveals lovely tension on the palate with fine tannins an even mouthwatering spine of acidity and a long finish with notes of apricot lasting on the back palate. This beautiful wine is only going to improve over the coming two decades. Helmed by fourth generation winemaker Elisa Scavino the estate owns and manages 30 hectares spanning eight of the 11 communes of the Barolo region and is based in Castiglione Falletto. Sadly Elisa?s father Enrico Scavino passed away earlier this year at the age of 82. He was an active part of his family?s winery until his passing. Since 2007 they have implemented the use of a netted submerged cap cylindrical system developed by Enrico that achieves a delicate extraction during fermentation. They have moved to slower longer fermentation periods and as of 2018 are solely utilizing large casks. In the vineyard they pay great attention to the soils' compression creating a sustainable ecosystem rich in oxygen and microorganisms and a sustainable approach. Their most recent acquisitions include those of Prapo and Ravera in 2015. Having lost their contract for Cannubi they are no longer producing what was known as the Barolo Carobric of which the Cannubi fruit was a major component. I continue to be impressed with the direction these wines have been taking toward a more expressive and pure sense of place with wonderful diversity across the portfolio. I had the chance to taste the wines for this report twice.
jdWine Spectator: 95 Points
A bright beam of cherry courses through this red with strawberry floral and mineral elements in supporting roles. Though structured this stays balanced and pure through the long fruit- and mineral-infused aftertaste. Really captures the 2020 vintage. Best from 2027 through 2046. ?B.S.
