2004 Barolo Margheria
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Tasting notes
While most of the Azelia 2004s performed inline with previous tastings, the Margheria has turned out to be more compelling than I had originally foreseen. Lavender, smoke, iron, herbs, dark cherries, plums and spices give the wine its striking aromatics. Tension, energy and precision are the signatures. There is so much to like here. The Margheria spent 30 months in Slavonian and Austrian oak casks.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Gorgeous, multi-dimensional Serralunga aromas burst from the glass of the 2004 Barolo Margheria. This vibrant, fresh Barolo exudes layers of dark fruit, tar, licorice, cinnamon, new leather and sweet toasted oak that flow onto the palate with stunning purity. The wine lost a little intensity with air, which is the only thing that keeps the score from going higher. This bottling saw 50% new oak, and it will require a few years to come together.
Gorgeous, multi-dimensional Serralunga aromas burst from the glass of the 2004 Barolo Margheria. This vibrant, fresh Barolo exudes layers of dark fruit, tar, licorice, cinnamon, new leather and sweet toasted oak that flow onto the palate with stunning purity. The wine lost a little intensity with air, which is the only thing that keeps the score from going higher. This bottling saw 50% new oak, and it will require a few years to come together. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024. Readers looking for a first-rate Barolo producer whose pricing has remained very fair need look no further than the wines of Azelia and proprietor Luigi Scavino. These are among my favorite wines to drink, especially in restaurants, where they don’t suffer from the larger markups that accompany some of the region’s better known bottlings. 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
Good medium red. Aromatic nose combines plum, smoke, mocha, truffle and tobacco. Suave on entry, then rather powerful and a tad dry in the middle, but with no shortage of stuffing. I would have expected this bottling to be gentler than the Bricco Fiasco. The acids are ripe, though, and this wine may well merit a higher score with some bottle aging.