1999 Barolo Cannubi
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The 1999 Barolo Cannubi wraps around the palate with serious depth. Texturally, the 1999 is impeccable, but at the same time, it is also incredibly powerful and rich to the point of not being particularly expressive to site. Tar, smoke, mocha and black fruit are some of the many notes that flesh out in the glass. The influence of French oak is felt more strongly here than in any other of the 1999s. I imagine the Cannubi will enjoy at least another decade of fine drinking. "
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The Wine Advocate
Daniel Thomases, Wine Advocate
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Medium ruby. Scavino's beautiful 1999 Barolo Cannubi expresses all of the classic notes of this historic site in its nuances of flowers, spices, tar and this producer's signature sweet super-ripe fruit. It is a wine of remarkable harmony, deftly balancing superb concentration and length with the finesse that defines Scavino's finest wines. As is typical of the Barolos of Cannubi, it should offer a broad drinking window. The 1990 and 1989 which I reported on last year (see Issue 5) were still quite youthful and full of life at ages 15 and 16 respectively.
Dark ruby. The 1999 is a fascinating effort that perfectly captures the vintage in its complex aromas of roses, menthol, ripe fruit and truffles. It is dense and long, offering a soft, velvety profile with much dark fruit on a dense, structured frame. Notes of roasted coffee beans, licorice, tar, and menthol appear as this gorgeous, superbly well- balanced wine sits in the glass. Not as accessible today as the 1997, 1998, or 2000, this will require a few years to be at its best, and will age gracefully to at least age 20.
The 1999 Barolo Cannubi shows the classic finesse and elegance of the vineyard in its chocolate, caramel, and tar aromas as well as its silky texture. There is also plenty of flesh and length and a forceful finish. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2017. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411