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The 1998 Barolo, on the other hand, is one of the more problematic wines of the evening, as it is mature or close to it, with plenty of earth, leather, dried cherry and smoke overtones. In this tasting, the 1998 comes across as rustic and not especially polished. The comparison with other, finer, vintages proves to be quite revealing. I would prefer to drink the 1998 sooner rather than later.
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Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Bartolo Mascarello's 1998 Barolo is another of the more weightless, ethereal wines in the vintage. Sweet tobacco, earthiness, plums and prunes flow in a soft, elegant style. This is another Barolo that is simply delicious today, although readers seeking a more developed, tertiary experience may want to give the wine a few more years in bottle.
The quintessential traditionalist, Bartolo Mascarello's 1998 Barolo reveals a deceivingly unimpressive plum/garnet/ruby color. However, the aromatics explode from the glass offering scents of Chinese black tea, licorice, black cherries, tar, and truffles. In the mouth, it is sweet, fleshy, powerful, and heady with exquisite purity as well as symmetry. This wine's aromas and flavors will convince readers that Nebbiolo is the Pinot Noir of Italy. It will undoubtedly tighten after bottling, re-emerge in 4-5 years, and age well for nearly two decades. Importers: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200 and Riservati, Seattle, WA; tel. (206) 623-5758
The quintessential traditionalist, Bartolo Mascarello's 1998 Barolo reveals a deceivingly unimpressive plum/garnet/ruby color. However, the aromatics explode from the glass offering scents of Chinese black tea, licorice, black cherries, tar, and truffles. In the mouth, it is sweet, fleshy, powerful, and heady with exquisite purity as well as symmetry. This wine's aromas and flavors will convince readers that Nebbiolo is the Pinot Noir of Italy. It will undoubtedly tighten after bottling, re-emerge in 4-5 years, and age well for nearly two decades. Oct 2001, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
Bartolo Mascarello is one of the most respected, traditionalist Barolo producers. The Piedmont estate makes one of the region’s finest expressions of Nebbiolo.