2001 Bartolo Mascarello, Barolo 1x750ml

Vinous 96

For this first flight, I chose vintages that are ready to drink. The 2001 Barolo (magnum) has always been an enigma at this address. From magnum, the 2001 has always been better than from 750ml bottles, so it is no surprise to see this showing so well. Dense, powerful and quite rustic, the 2001 offers up dark fruit intermingled with spice, menthol, tobacco and dried flowers. This potent, old-school Barolo opens beautifully with a few hours of air. [Antonio Galloni, 06/07/2023]

Anticipated maturity: 2022-2032

Robert Parker 88

The 2001 Barolo (from magnum) offers up licorice, tobacco, smoke, plums and prunes. The fruit has begun to fade, yielding to early tertiary scents as this medium-bodied wine continues to open up over time. The 2001 has more than enough depth and persistence to drink well for a number of years, but it is also more forward than I expected. Stylistically, the 2001 is on the delicate side, and does not appear to be built for the long haul. This is a period when the Mascarello wines were inconsistent, something proprietor Maria-Theresa Mascarello has addressed in a big way over the last few years. As it turns out, I also tasted a magnum of the 1993 next to the 2001 and found it much more youthful, rich and ageworthy. There is little question which of the two vintages I would prefer to own. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021. Importer: Robert Chadderdon Selections, New York, NY; tel. (212) 332-4999 [Antonio Galloni, 30/04/2012]

Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021