2019 Paolo Scavino Riserva Rocche dell'Annunziata Barolo, Piedmont

A restrained, dark and complex wine. It unfolds in the glass with notes of bergamot, tamarind, oak bark, licorice, dried violets and red cherries. The attack is supple, with a full body, refreshing acidity and ripe, velvety tannins. It’s vibrant and integrated, with a savory, elegant aftertaste.

98 points James Suckling

From one of La Morra’s most revered crus, Rocche dell’Annunziata is all about perfume, finesse and that silky, floating texture that great Barolo can deliver. Paolo Scavino has long been a benchmark name in the region, with Enrico Scavino and now the next generation refining a style that balances precision with a deep respect for site. The Riserva takes that a step further, coming from top parcels and held back for extended ageing before release.

The 2019 vintage is beautifully poised. There’s an immediate lift to the aromatics, red cherry, wild strawberry and rose petal, layered with orange peel, spice and a gentle earthy depth. It feels open and detailed, but still tightly woven.

The palate is where it really shows its class. Silky tannins glide across the wine, carrying bright red fruit with a sense of ease, yet there is underlying structure that gives it real presence. Acidity keeps everything fresh and focused, while layers of spice, dried herbs and a subtle mineral thread build through a long, graceful finish.

This is one to stretch out with food. Tajarin with butter and white truffle is a classic match, but it’s just as compelling with a porcini and parmesan risotto, or a slow roasted carrot dish with cumin and yoghurt where the sweetness and spice play beautifully with the wine’s perfume. Even a simple aged cheese can bring out another dimension.

It’s already incredibly expressive with a bit of air, but this is built for the long haul, easily fifteen to twenty years as it gains further layers of savoury and earthy complexity.