Paolo Scavino Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata Riserva 2013 (750ML)

97 WA / 96 FS / 95 JS / 95 WS / 94 KO / 93+ VM / 93 DE / 17++ JR

The 2013 Barolo Rocche dell'Annunziata Riserva was released in January of 2019, and once again it looks to be a top prize. Licorice and flowers dominate the bouquet, and its beautiful red fruit is generous throughout. This wine has always been a beauty and consistently has had a high price tag to reflect that quality, going back to the first vintages of the 1990s. It has regularly sold for about $200 every year for the last decade. These vines are old, some of them very old (reaching the ripe age of 60 years old in 1990s, when many of them were replanted with carefully selected clones), producing an elegance and concentration that brings intensity and a high standard of aromas. This Barolo without a doubt shows its pedigree and a quality of noble perfumes that demonstrate characteristics of the greatest Nebbiolo vintages, all delivered with excellent concentration. The magic lingers on the palate, right up to the finish. Monica Larner – The Wine Advocate

Clear, medium dense ruby. Very clearly defined nose of ripe plums and pomegranate and hints of rose. Round and supple on the palate, vivid, juicy fruit, opens with grippy, dense tannin, firm drive on the finish.-Falstaff

Aromas of white truffles and dried red cherries here with an earthy nuance that makes for a complex and compelling nose. The palate has a deep and dense shape and delivers a wide array of rich cherry and plum flavors. Some handy spice here, too. Drink or hold. James Suckling

This is high-strung and linear, showing precision to its cherry, strawberry, graphite, tobacco and grassy aromas and flavors. Firms up, yet exhibits finesse and complexity on the lingering aftertaste. Still needs time in the bottle, or decant a few hours before enjoying. Best from 2023 through 2040. 495 cases made, 198 cases imported.-Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator

Violet, iris, exotic spice and menthol aromas lead the way on this fragrant red. The firmly structured palate boasts elegance and tension, delivering cranberry, pomegranate, licorice and white pepper set against tightly knit, fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. It’s still youthfully austere and will be even better after several more years of aging. Drink 2023–2033.-Kerin O'Keefe

The 2013 Barolo Riserva Rocche dell'Annunziata is powerful and dense in the glass. Readers will have to be patient, as the 2013 is going to need a few years to soften. When I think of Rocche dell'Annunziata, I think of Barolos built on perfume and elegance. I don't see much of that here, at least in the early going. This is an especially extracted style. Hints of red plum, mocha, wild flowers and spice add nuance over time, but the 2013 is not ready yet to show all of its cards-Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

Scavino bought a 0.5ha parcel in this celebrated La Morra vineyard in 1990 and liked the wine so much he decided to produce it solely as a riserva. It’s deep in colour and the cherry-scented nose is still reserved. Suave and very concentrated, its tannins are polished yet give a firm grip and structure. There’s also a spicy, peppery character and a finish that’s complex and long.-Stephen Brook, Decanter

Pale-medium, slightly opaque garnet. Nutty, spicy oak, over ripe red cherry and dried thyme, with early stages of old leather and dried tobacco development. Compact, high, chalky tannins that are not close to ready, but enough density of flavour that should allow these to melt and come into balance. Long. -Tim Jackson MW, JancisRobinson